Androgens in the anaemia of chronic renal failure
von Hartitzsch, B.; Kerr, D.N.; Morley, G.; Marks, B.
Nephron 18(1): 13-20
1977
ISSN/ISBN: 1660-8151 PMID: 846623 Document Number: 433728
Plasma levels of testosterone-like substances (TLS) were depressed in 7 patients with chronic renal failure. I.m. testosterone (as Sustanon 250 once a week) elevated plasma TLS levels to above normal throughout the wk with an initial high peak. Sublingual testosterone produced a high but brief peak in TLS. Results were similar in renal failure patients and normal controls. A controlled trial of weekly Sustanon 250 in 24 regular dialysis patients produced a significant increase in Hb from 6.8 to 8.2 g/dl. Side effects were mainly mild and acceptable but 1 patient developed priapism and another a large hematoma. The discriminate use of androgens is recommended for anemic male patients on regular hemodialysis.