Testosterone replacement therapy and polycythemia in HIV-infected patients.
We conducted a case-control study to assess testosterone use as a primary risk factor for polycythemia in 21 HIV-infected men. Any testosterone use within 2 months of first elevated hemoglobin was associated with polycythemia (matched odds ratio 6.55; 95% confidence interval 1.83-23.4; P = 0.004) and intramuscular administration demonstrated a stronger association than topical use. No adverse cardiovascular or thrombotic events were observed. HIV-infected patients taking testosterone should undergo routine hematologic monitoring with adjustment of therapy when appropriate.
Department of Medicine, Weill Cornell Medical College, New York, New York, USA.
Charles Kyriakos
CK
Vorkas
Carlos M
CM
Vaamonde
Marshall J
MJ
Glesby
D000279:Administration, Cutaneous; D000728:Androgens / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000009:adverse effects* / Q000097:blood; D016022:Case-Control Studies; D006679:HIV Seropositivity / Q000097:blood* / Q000150:complications; D006454:Hemoglobins / Q000378:metabolism; D020249:Hormone Replacement Therapy / Q000009:adverse effects*; D006801:Humans; D007006:Hypogonadism / Q000188:drug therapy; D007273:Injections, Intramuscular; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D016017:Odds Ratio; D011086:Polycythemia / Q000097:blood* / Q000139:chemically induced* / Q000453:epidemiology; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D018570:Risk Assessment; D013739:Testosterone / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000009:adverse effects* / Q000097:blood; D013997:Time Factors
D000728:Androgens; D006454:Hemoglobins; D013739:Testosterone