HIV and testosterone therapy

The Prevalence of Hypogonadism and the Effectiveness of Androgen Administration on Body Composition in HIV-Infected Men: A Meta-Analysis

Background: Hypogonadism is a common comorbidity in human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)-infected men, although the real prevalence is difficult to be estimated. Moreover, in HIV settings, the efficacy of exogenous testosterone (Te) administration at improving body composition remains unclear. Aim of the study: This review has a double aim. First, to estimate the prevalence of pituitary–testis axis abnormality in HIV-infected patients compared to uninfected subjects. Second, to evaluate the effect of androgen administration on body composition in HIV-infected men. Materials and Methods: A systematic review of the literature and meta-analysis was carried out. Two separated literature searches were performed, the first to evaluate the prevalence of Te deficiency in HIV-infected men and the second one to evaluate effects of androgen administration on body composition. Results: The overall prevalence of Te deficiency in HIV-infected men was calculated from 41 studies, showing a 26% prevalence, which was even higher when free T (fT) levels, more than total T, were considered. Indeed, TT serum levels were similar between HIV patients and controls, although higher SHBG and lower fT were detected in HIV populations. When HIV-infected men were treated with exogenous Te, a significant increase in body weight, lean body mass and fat free mass was detected. Conclusion: The systematic review confirms the high prevalence of Te deficiency in HIV-infected men, particularly when fT has been considered. Moreover, chronic androgen supplementation improves body composition, affecting the lean mass compartment. However, considering the general frailty of HIV patients, a tailored indication for Te therapy should be advocated.

Anabolic steroids-induced delirium: A case report

INTRODUCTION

Anabolic steroids are commonly used by athletes, body builders, and young adults to improve muscle strength. Deleterious effects of anabolic steroids on physical health are well-established. Psychiatric aspects are of particular importance and include psychosis, delirium, mania, depression, and aggression. We describe the case of a young gentleman who was managed as a case of androgenic steroid induced delirium.

PATIENT CONCERN

A 33-year-old gentleman presented with increased aggression, hostility, and destructive impulses. He was a regular user of testosterone propionate, testosterone cyprionate and trenbolone acetate up to 200 mg daily in injectable form. His mental status examination showed labile effect, flight of ideas and persecutory delusions. Physical examination was positive for atrophic testes. Laboratory results showed a decreased plasma testosterone level of 9.59 nmol/l (10.4-37.4 nmol/l). Sex Hormone Binding Globulin was 23.8 nmol/l (18.3-54.1 nmol/l) and bioavailable testosterone was 5.110 nmol/l (4.36-14.30 nmol/l).

DIAGNOSIS

He was diagnosed as a case of anabolic steroids induced delirium.

INTERVENTIONS AND OUTCOME

Patient was treated with regular haloperidol and quetiapine after which his sensorium, speech and behavior improved. He was discharged on haloperidol 7.5 mg and quetiapine 700 mg daily.

CONCLUSION

The purpose of this case report is to emphasize on the neuropsychiatric effects and management of anabolic steroids manifested by delirium, increased aggression, hostility, and destructive impulses.

Anabolic Steroid-induced Mania

There are numerous reports of the psychiatric effects of anabolic-androgenic steroid (AAS) use. However, these effects have not been clearly elicited in controlled clinical trials. This discrepancy is largely due to the presence of a variety of synergistic factors seen in the real-life setting of AAS abuse.

In this case, we report a patient in acute mania admitted to Frederick Memorial Hospital in Frederick, Maryland. He had no prior history or family history of manic episodes. His symptoms were refractory to initial pharmacologic intervention. The onset of his symptoms was likely related to the initiation of AAS use. However, his symptoms were likely potentiated by heavy daily cannabis use. The patient showed a gradual improvement over the second week of his hospitalization. He was discharged on antipsychotics and scheduled to follow up with a therapist and psychiatrist.

Effects of testosterone gel treatment in hypogonadal men with liver cirrhosis

INTRODUCTION

Hypogonadism characterized by low serum testosterone level, loss of libido, small testes, impotence and gynecomastia is a common clinical situation in male patients with advanced chronic liver disease. The aim of the study was to assess the efficacy and safety of testosterone replacement on muscle strength, bone mineral density (BMD), body composition and gynecomastia in hypogonadal men with liver cirrhosis.

METHODS

Sixteen hypogonadal male cirrhotic patients were included and twelve completed the study. Abdominal USG and/or MRI were performed to exclude hepatocellular cancer. Testogel 50mg/day was administered for 6 months. Liver enzymes, hormone profiles and muscle strength were evaluated monthly. Body composition parameters, BMD and gynecomastia were evaluated before and after 6 months.

RESULTS

Serum free testosterone level was higher (20.13 ± 10.06 pmol/L; 57.26 ± 39.56 pmol/L, P=0.002) after treatment. Testosterone replacement resulted in an increase in muscle strength (34.03 ± 7.24 kg; 39.18 ± 5.99 kg, P<0.001), the subscapular site subcutaneous fat tissue (P=0.012) and the sum of the four regions (P=0.04). Subareolar breast tissue was lower (28.83 ± 17.18 mm; 15.00 ± 6.74 mm, P=0.007) after treatment. No significant adverse effects were detected.

DISCUSSION

Testosterone gel 50mg/day raises free testosterone to values below supraphysiological levels in cirrhotic men. Transdermal testosterone replacement improves muscle strength, ameliorates gynecomastia, alters body fat distribution and causes upper body adiposity in hypogonadal men with cirrhosis. Application of testosterone gel, which undergoes no hepatic first-pass metabolism, seems as a safe and well-tolerated agent in liver cirrhosis as compared to other anabolic steroids, which may be associated with various adverse events.