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Exp Clin Endocrinol Diabetes 2024; 132(01): 23-32
DOI: 10.1055/a-2201-8816
DOI: 10.1055/a-2201-8816
Article
Male Hypogonadism After Recovery from Acute COVID-19 Infection: A Prospective Observational Study
Funding This study was entirely supported by intramural funding from the Jawaharlal Institute of Postgraduate Medical Education and Research, Puducherry.
Abstract
Background The severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 can affect the hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal axis (HPG) due to the expression of the angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 receptor.
Objectives To assess the prevalence of hypogonadism and Sertoli cell dysfunction in coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) male survivors.
Method Male subjects recovered from acute COVID-19 infection were prospectively observed. The primary outcomes included the proportion of hypogonadism, defined biochemically as serum testosterone<230 ng/dL or CFT of<6.4 ng/mL if the total testosterone is between 230–320 ng/m. Sertoli cell dysfunction was defined as inhibin-B level<54.5 pg/mL. Subjects with hypogonadism were followed up at 12 months to assess the recovery of the HPG axis.
Results Eighty-three subjects aged≥18 years were evaluated at a median of 120 (±35) days post-recovery. Their mean age was 49.50±12.73 years, and the mean BMI was 26.84±5.62 kg/m2. Low testosterone was detected in 21 (24.71%) and low inhibin-B was detected in 14 (19.71%) out of 71 subjects at 3 months. Subjects with low testosterone were younger, with a mean age of 43.29±12.03 years (P-0.08) and higher BMI (P-0.012). The severity of COVID-19 infection, duration of hospitalization, and other factors were not significantly associated with low testosterone. At 12 months, 18 out of 21 subjects came for follow-up, of which 9 (50%) showed persistently low testosterone, suggestive of hypogonadism.
Conclusion Following COVID-19 infection, testosterone levels recovered over time; however, a significant proportion of subjects had low levels at 12-month follow-up. These findings have long-term implications for the management of COVID-19 subjects.
Publikationsverlauf
Eingereicht: 03. Juli 2023
Eingereicht: 29. August 2023
Angenommen: 20. Oktober 2023
Artikel online veröffentlicht:
04. Dezember 2023
© 2023. Thieme. All rights reserved.
Georg Thieme Verlag KG
Rüdigerstraße 14, 70469 Stuttgart, Germany
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