Testosterone as a treatment for fatigue in HIV+ men.
This study assessed correlates of fatigue and the efficacy of testosterone therapy as a treatment for fatigue in men with symptomatic HIV and clinical hypogonadism. We conducted a 12-week open trial of testosterone for HIV+ men with clinical hypogonadism (low libido plus at least one of the associated symptoms of depressed mood, fatigue, and weight loss), CD4 count below 400 cells/cu.mm, and serum testosterone level below 500 ng/dl. 108 men entered the trial; 50% were nonwhite and 72% had an AIDS diagnosis. Baseline correlates of fatigue, as measured by the self-report Chalder Fatigue Scale (CFS), included elevated laboratory values (hematocrit, hemoglobin), lower overall physical functioning, greater psychological distress, and reduced quality of life. Sixty-six of 72 men who presented with fatigue completed the trial, with 52 (79%) rated as responders (much improved energy level) by the study doctor. Fatigue declined significantly among responders, but not nonresponders.
New York State Psychiatric Institute, College of Physicians & Surgeons, Columbia University, New York, New York, USA.
G J
GJ
Wagner
J G
JG
Rabkin
R
R
Rabkin
D000328:Adult; D016009:Chi-Square Distribution; D003866:Depressive Disorder / Q000150:complications; D005221:Fatigue / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000209:etiology; D015658:HIV Infections / Q000150:complications* / Q000523:psychology; D006801:Humans; D007989:Libido / Q000187:drug effects*; D008137:Longitudinal Studies; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D011788:Quality of Life; D013739:Testosterone / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D016896:Treatment Outcome
D013739:Testosterone