title: [Effect of erythropoietin on gonadotropic hormones and sexual function in patients on hemodialysis].
abstract: BACKGROUND
  Correction of anemia in haemodialysed patients by recombinant human erythropoetin (R-Hu Epo) has been reported to improve sexual functions and hormonal disturbances. The purpose of this study was to evaluate how levels of sexual hormones and sexual function differ before and during a 12 month R-Hu Epo therapy.
  
  
  METHODS
  Thirty six male patients, mean age 47.5 +/- 12.78 and thirty six female patients, mean age 53.0 +/- 10.14, were included in this study. All patients were dialyzed 3 times per week with haemodialysis mean duration of 4.56 +/- 3.84 years. In order to evaluate sexual activities, the questionnaire was presented to all patients. The levels of prolactin, testosterone, FSH, LH were measured at the beginning of the study and every forth month during the study.
  
  
  RESULTS
  During twelve month therapy with Epo, serum hemoglobin significantly increased from 96.0 +/- 13.3 g/dl to 104.0 +/- 17.2 g/dl (p < 0.005), and hematocrit value rose from 0.284 +/- 0.046% to 0.308 +/- 0.052% (p < 0.05). Prolactin was not significantly decreased: at the beginning of the study was 540.3 +/- 302.2 and at the end 537.4 +/- 297.1 microIU/ml. Testosterone concentrations were in normal range in male patients (18.26 +/- 8.61 microIU/ml). There was significant difference in value of LH in female patients which increased from 57.68 +/- 62.58 to 73.79 +/- 68.52 IU/L. Improvement of sexual function was remarkable in female patients. In male patients sexual desire, frequency of sexual intercourse was strengthen after R-Hu epo therapy.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Better sexual functions in our patients after treatment with R-Hu Epo did not correlate with hormonal disturbances except changes of LH that increased at the end of the therapy.
authors.affiliation: Centar za Hemodijalizu, KCU Sarajevo.
authors.forename: Halima
authors.initials: H
authors.lastname: Resić
authors.forename: Azra
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Alajbegović
authors.forename: Vahidin
authors.initials: V
authors.lastname: Sahović
authors.forename: Enra
authors.initials: E
authors.lastname: Suljić
authors.forename: Enisa
authors.initials: E
authors.lastname: Mesić
authors.forename: Ranka
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Javorić
mesh_terms: D000740:Anemia / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000209:etiology; D004921:Erythropoietin / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D005260:Female; D006065:Gonadotropins, Pituitary / Q000097:blood*; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D011994:Recombinant Proteins; D006435:Renal Dialysis / Q000009:adverse effects; D012725:Sexual Behavior; D013739:Testosterone / Q000097:blood*
chemical_list: D006065:Gonadotropins, Pituitary; D011994:Recombinant Proteins; D004921:Erythropoietin; D013739:Testosterone