SERUM TESTOSTERONE LEVELS IN MEN WITH CHRONIC OBSTRUCTIVE PULMONARY DISEASE WITH OR WITHOUT GLUCOCORTICOID THERAPY

초록

PURPOSE: To investigate the effect of oral corticosteroid use on serum testosterone levels in elderly men with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). METHODS: From May 1999 to September 1999, twenty eight stable COPD patients who were more than 60 year old men and of whom 14 were receiving oral corticosteroid were examined in cross-sectional survey. Clinical variables, spirometric parameters and the levels of gonadal hormones were measured. RESULTS: Patients with or without oral corticosteroid therapy were not different in age, body mass index, waist/hip ratio, smoking and additional therapy. Forced expiratory volume in one second, vital capacity, arterial oxygen and carbon dioxide concentration at rest were not different between the groups. Serum gonadotropin hormones were not different between the groups. Serum levels of testosterone in COPD patients with oral corticosteroid (mean+/- SD 8.3+/-4.5 nmol/L) were decreased than patients without oral corticosteroid (mean+/-SD 21.8+/-17.7 nmol/L, p<0.05). CONCLUSION: Glucocorticoid therapy in elderly male patients with COPD may contribute to testosterone deficiency.