Abstract
ABSTRACTIntroductionSickle cell disease (SCD) is associated with the development of hypogonadism, but there is still controversy regarding its etiology and clinical implications.ObjectiveTo evaluate the prevalence of hypogonadism in a population of men with SCD and characterize its etiology.MethodsWe performed a cross-sectional study of 34 men with SCD aged > 18 years. Sociodemographic and clinical data, including anthropometric measurements (weight, height, and BMI), were obtained. Early morning blood samples were collected and total testosterone (TT), free testosterone (FT), luteinizing hormone (LH), follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH), a complete blood count, and hemoglobin electrophoresis were measured.ResultsMedian age was 33 [26-41] years, and SS genotype was the most frequent (73.5%). The prevalence of eugonadism, compensated, and secondary hypogonadism was 67.5%, 26.4%, and 5.88%, respectively. No men with primary hypogonadism were identified in our sample. Those with compensated hypogonadism had also higher FSH levels than individuals with eugonadism; p < 0.001).ConclusionIn our study population of men with SCD a high prevalence of compensated hypogonadism was identified, which is a controversial and distinct clinical entity that warrants monitoring and further research.
Publisher
Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory
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