Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease: risk and benefit of testosterone therapy].

N Samaras, D Samaras, P-O Lang, P-O Bridevaux, G Gex, J-P Janssens, C Pichard

Service de gériatrie, Département de médecine interne, réhabilitation et gériatrie HUG, 1226 Thônex/Genève. nikolassamaras@hotmail.com

Revue médicale suisse 2012 Nov 21

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Muscular wasting is frequently encountered in COPD patients and is related to a decrease in exercise tolerance, a higher morbidity and mortality. One of the potential causes isa low serum testosterone, which is frequent in COPD. Various studies have explored the effect of testosterone administration alone or as part of combined pulmonary rehabilitation and nutrition protocols. Testosterone had a positive impact on muscle mass and force, and to a lesser extent on physical endurance and respiratory parameters. Future studies should better define appropriate dosage and treatment duration. In the meantime, testosterone should be administered to COPD patients with overt hypogonadism, or in multidisciplinary specialized programmes.

Citation

N Samaras, D Samaras, P-O Lang, P-O Bridevaux, G Gex, J-P Janssens, C Pichard. Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease: risk and benefit of testosterone therapy]. Revue médicale suisse. 2012 Nov 21;8(363):2224-7