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Functional Hypogonadism and Testosterone Deficiency in Aging Males With and Without HIV-infection

Postel N, Wolf E, Balogh A, Obermeier M, Degen O, Mayr C, Baumgarten A, Pauli R et al.

Experimental and clinical endocrinology & diabetes : official journal, German Society of Endocrinology [and] German Diabetes Association, 2021

322 participants

Abstract

INTRODUCTION: HIV infection has become a chronic, well-treatable disease and the focus of caretakers has shifted to diagnosis and treatment of comorbidities. Hypogonadism in elderly men with HIV might be of particular relevance, however, little is known about its epidemiology in contrast to non-infected peers and men with other chronic medical conditions, such as type 2 diabetes. This study aimed at comparing the prevalence of testosterone deficiency and functional hypogonadism in men ≥ 50 years in these three groups.

PATIENTS AND METHODS: Multi-center, cross-sectional substudy of the German-wide 50/2010 study, including men aged 50 years or older with HIV-infection, type 2 diabetes, and controls.

RESULTS: Altogether, 322 men were included (mean age: 62 years (SD±7.9)). The prevalence of testosterone deficiency in men living with HIV, type 2 diabetes, and controls was 34.5, 44.9, and 35.0%, respectively; the prevalence of functional hypogonadism was 7.7, 14.3 and 3.5%, respectively. Single-factor ANOVA demonstrated significant differences between the groups for total testosterone (p<0.001), SHBG (p<0.001), as well as for free testosterone concentrations (p=0.006). Comorbidities were, however, most important single factor in multi-factor analysis.

DISCUSSION: Despite a comparable prevalence of testosterone deficiency, functional hypogonadism was more frequent in men living with HIV when compared to non-infected controls. This was the result of a higher burden of symptoms that…

How strong is the evidence?

Evidence Hub reads this as a cross-sectional, done in people. Its evidence level is 4 of 5 (Low · observational). Observational designs can show an association but not prove cause. Reported size: 322 participants or records.

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