Acquired hypogonadotropic hypogonadism (ahh) in thalassaemia major patients: an underdiagnosed condition?

ConclusionsIn our thalassemic patients iron overload and chronic liver disease appear to play a role in the development of AHH.  Treatment of AHH in TM patients is an important and vibrant field for improving their health and QOL. Early identification and management of AHH is very crucial to avoid long-term morbidity, including sexual dysfunction and infertility. Therapy aims to restore serum testosterone to the mid–normal range. Many exciting opportunities remain for further research and therapeutic development.Key words:Acquired hypogonadotropic hypogonadism, thalassemia, iron overload, liver disease.IntroductionIn males, acquired hypogonadotropic hypogonadism (AHH) includes all disorders that damage or alter the function of gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) neurons and/or pituitary gonadotroph cells. The clinical characteristics of AHH are androgen deficiency and a lack, delay or halt of pubertal sexual maturation. AHH lead to decreased libido, impaired erectile function and strength, a worsened sense of well being and degraded quality of life (QOL).Patients and methodsWe studied 11 adult men with thalassemia major (TM) aged between 26 to 54 years (mean ± SD: 34.3 ± 8.8 years) with AHH. Twelve age- and sex-matched TM patients with normal pubertal development were used as a control group. All patients were on regular transfusions and iron chelation therapy.Fasting venous blood samples were collected two weeks after  transfusion to measure serum concentrations of I...
Source: Mediterranean Journal of Hematology and Infectious Diseases - Category: Hematology Source Type: research