The effects of dialysis modalities on sexual hormone levels in male patients

Abstract

Introduction: Low testosterone level is association with low quality of life and cardiovascular risk factors. The dialysis modality effects on testosterone levels remain unclear. To investigate the haemodialysis (HD) and peritoneal dialysis (PD) effects on male sexual hormones. Material and Method: Serum total testosterone (TT), free testosterone (FT), follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH), luteinizing hormone (LH), prolactin (PRL) and sex hormone-binding globulin (SHBG) were investigated. Serum TT below 3 ng/ml was considered a low TT. Sociodemographic data and an Index of Independence in Activities of Daily Living were recorded. Results: This study included adult male HD (n = 71) and PD (n = 24) patients. Age and dialysis duration were similar between groups. Serum TT and FT levels were significantly higher in the PD group (p = 0.01 and p = 0.05, respectively). There were no differences between the HD and PD groups with regard to SHBG, FSH, LH or PRL levels (p = 0.353, p = 0.858, p = 0.410 and p = 0.410, respectively). The number of patients who were capable of performing Index of Independence in Activities of Daily Living was higher in the PD group (p = 0.033) and with normal TT levels (p = 0.027). Binary regression analysis showed more favourable effects in the PD group on testosterone levels (OR = 4.659; 1.477–14.704 95% CI Exp B). Conclusion: PD has favourable effects on testosterone levels compared to HD. Mental and physical well being resulting from PD and its technique affect TT levels.

Keywords

• chronic renal failure,haemodialysis,peritoneal dialysis,testosterone,index of independence in daily living activities

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