Efficacy of Testosterone Replacement Therapy in Correcting Anemia in Men With Hypogonadism: A Randomized Clinical Trial. 2023

Karol M Pencina, and Thomas G Travison, and Andrew S Artz, and A Michael Lincoff, and Steven E Nissen, and Panagiotis Flevaris, and Anna Chan, and Xue Li, and Scott A Diegel, and Kathleen Wannemuehler, and Shalender Bhasin
Research Program in Men's Health: Aging and Metabolism, Boston Claude D. Pepper Older Americans Independence Center, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts.

Testosterone deficiency causes mild anemia. Whether testosterone replacement therapy (TRT) can correct anemia or prevent the development of anemia in men with hypogonadism remains incompletely understood. To assess the efficacy of TRT in correcting anemia in men with hypogonadism and anemia, and reducing the risk of developing anemia in those without anemia. This randomized, placebo-controlled trial included men with hypogonadism at 316 US sites enrolled between May 2018 and February 2022. This study was nested within the Testosterone Replacement Therapy for Assessment of Long-term Vascular Events and Efficacy Response in Hypogonadal Men (TRAVERSE) Study, which evaluated the effect of TRT on major adverse cardiovascular events in middle-aged and older men with hypogonadism. Eligible participants were aged 45 to 80 years, with 2 testosterone concentration results below 300 ng/dL, hypogonadal symptoms, and cardiovascular disease (CVD) or increased CVD risk. The last study visit took place in January 2023. Data were analyzed between March and August 2023. Participants were randomized with stratification for preexisting CVD to 1.62% testosterone gel or placebo gel daily for the study duration. Proportion of participants with anemia (hemoglobin below 12.7 g/dL) whose anemia remitted (hemoglobin 12.7 g/dL or above) over the study duration. Secondary end points included incidence of anemia among men who were not anemic. Binary end points were analyzed using repeated-measures log-binomial regression. A total of 5204 men were included, 815 with anemia (mean [SD] age, 64.8 [7.7] years; 247 Black [30.3%], 544 White [66.7%], 24 other [2.9%]) and 4379 without anemia (mean [SD] age, 63.0 [7.9] years; 629 Black [14.4%], 3603 White [82.3%], 147 other [3.4%]). Anemia corrected in a significantly greater proportion of testosterone-treated than placebo-treated men at 6 months (143 of 349 [41.0%] vs 103 of 375 [27.5%]), 12 months (152 of 338 [45.0%] vs 122 of 360 [33.9%]), 24 months (124 of 290 [42.8%] vs 95 of 307 [30.9%]), 36 months (94 of 216 [43.5%] vs 76 of 229 [33.2%]), and 48 months (41 of 92 [44.6%] vs 38 of 97 [39.2%]) (P = .002). Among participants without anemia, a significantly smaller proportion of testosterone-treated men developed anemia than placebo-treated men. Changes in hemoglobin were associated with changes in energy level. In middle-aged and older men with hypogonadism and anemia, TRT was more efficacious than placebo in correcting anemia. Among men who were not anemic, a smaller proportion of testosterone-treated men developed anemia than placebo-treated men. ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT03518034.

UI MeSH Term Description Entries
D007006 Hypogonadism Condition resulting from deficient gonadal functions, such as GAMETOGENESIS and the production of GONADAL STEROID HORMONES. It is characterized by delay in GROWTH, germ cell maturation, and development of secondary sex characteristics. Hypogonadism can be due to a deficiency of GONADOTROPINS (hypogonadotropic hypogonadism) or due to primary gonadal failure (hypergonadotropic hypogonadism). Hypergonadotropic Hypogonadism,Hypogonadism, Isolated Hypogonadotropic,Hypogonadotropic Hypogonadism,Hypogonadism, Hypergonadotropic,Hypogonadism, Hypogonadotropic
D008297 Male Males
D008875 Middle Aged An adult aged 45 - 64 years. Middle Age
D002318 Cardiovascular Diseases Pathological conditions involving the CARDIOVASCULAR SYSTEM including the HEART; the BLOOD VESSELS; or the PERICARDIUM. Adverse Cardiac Event,Cardiac Events,Major Adverse Cardiac Events,Adverse Cardiac Events,Cardiac Event,Cardiac Event, Adverse,Cardiac Events, Adverse,Cardiovascular Disease,Disease, Cardiovascular,Event, Cardiac
D006454 Hemoglobins The oxygen-carrying proteins of ERYTHROCYTES. They are found in all vertebrates and some invertebrates. The number of globin subunits in the hemoglobin quaternary structure differs between species. Structures range from monomeric to a variety of multimeric arrangements. Eryhem,Ferrous Hemoglobin,Hemoglobin,Hemoglobin, Ferrous
D006801 Humans Members of the species Homo sapiens. Homo sapiens,Man (Taxonomy),Human,Man, Modern,Modern Man
D000368 Aged A person 65 years of age or older. For a person older than 79 years, AGED, 80 AND OVER is available. Elderly
D000740 Anemia A reduction in the number of circulating ERYTHROCYTES or in the quantity of HEMOGLOBIN. Anemias
D013739 Testosterone A potent androgenic steroid and major product secreted by the LEYDIG CELLS of the TESTIS. Its production is stimulated by LUTEINIZING HORMONE from the PITUITARY GLAND. In turn, testosterone exerts feedback control of the pituitary LH and FSH secretion. Depending on the tissues, testosterone can be further converted to DIHYDROTESTOSTERONE or ESTRADIOL. 17-beta-Hydroxy-4-Androsten-3-one,17-beta-Hydroxy-8 alpha-4-Androsten-3-one,8-Isotestosterone,AndroGel,Androderm,Andropatch,Androtop,Histerone,Sterotate,Sustanon,Testim,Testoderm,Testolin,Testopel,Testosterone Sulfate,17 beta Hydroxy 4 Androsten 3 one,17 beta Hydroxy 8 alpha 4 Androsten 3 one,8 Isotestosterone

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