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Testosterone Treatment in Adult Men With Age-Related Low Testosterone: A Clinical Guideline From the American College of Physicians

Qaseem A, Horwitch CA, Vijan S, Etxeandia-Ikobaltzeta I, Kansagara D, Clinical Guidelines Committee of the American College of Physicians, Forciea MA, Crandall C et al.

Annals of internal medicine, 2020

Abstract

DESCRIPTION: The American College of Physicians (ACP) developed this guideline to provide clinical recommendations based on the current evidence of the benefits and harms of testosterone treatment in adult men with age-related low testosterone. This guideline is endorsed by the American Academy of Family Physicians.

METHODS: The ACP Clinical Guidelines Committee based these recommendations on a systematic review on the efficacy and safety of testosterone treatment in adult men with age-related low testosterone. Clinical outcomes were evaluated by using the GRADE (Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development and Evaluation) system and included sexual function, physical function, quality of life, energy and vitality, depression, cognition, serious adverse events, major adverse cardiovascular events, and other adverse events.

TARGET AUDIENCE AND PATIENT POPULATION: The target audience includes all clinicians, and the target patient population includes adult men with age-related low testosterone.

RECOMMENDATION 1A: ACP suggests that clinicians discuss whether to initiate testosterone treatment in men with age-related low testosterone with sexual dysfunction who want to improve sexual function (conditional recommendation; low-certainty evidence). The discussion should include the potential benefits, harms, costs, and patient's preferences.

RECOMMENDATION 1B: ACP suggests that clinicians should reevaluate symptoms within 12 months and periodically thereafter. Clinicians…

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