Sex hormone profile in male patients with hepatitis C virus-related liver cirrhosis and its reflection on clinical presentation

Background and aim Gonadal function is affected significantly in male patients with cirrhosis. The aim of this study was to assess the level of sex hormones in male patients with hepatitis C virus-related liver cirrhosis and its reflection on clinical presentation. Patients and methods This cross-sectional study was carried out on 40 consecutive male patients with hepatitis C virus-related cirrhosis of Child–Pugh class C in addition to 20 age-matched healthy male participants (control group). All were subjected to an assay of serum hormonal levels: total and free testosterone, estradiol (E2), sex hormone-binding globulin (SHBG), and free androgen index. Results Feminine hair distribution was detected in 38 (95%) patients, gynecomastia in 29 (72.5%) patients, palmar erythema in 27 (67.5%) patients, and spider naevi in 15 (37.5%) patients. The levels of serum total and free testosterone were significantly lower, whereas those of serum E2 and SHBG were significantly higher in cases than in control participants (P
Source: Egyptian Liver Journal - Category: Gastroenterology Tags: Original articles Source Type: research