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Androgen Therapy and Rehospitalization in Older Men With Testosterone Deficiency.

ABSTRACT: To assess whether the receipt of androgen therapy is associated with a reduced 30-day rehospitalization rate among older men with testosterone deficiency.We conducted a retrospective cohort study using a 5% national sample of Medicare beneficiaries. We identified 6372 nonsurgical hospitalizations between January 1, 2007, and December 31, 2012, for male patients aged 66 years and older with a previous diagnosis of testosterone deficiency. Patients who died or lost Medicare coverage in the 30 days after hospital discharge or who were discharged to another inpatient setting were excluded from the analysis. Logistic regression was used to calculate odds ratios (ORs) and 95% CIs for the risk of 30-day hospital readmissions associated with receipt of androgen therapy.In older men with testosterone deficiency, receipt of androgen therapy was associated with a reduced risk of rehospitalization (91 of 929 androgen users [9.8%] vs 708 of 5443 non-androgen users [13.0%]; OR, 0.73; 95% CI, 0.58-0.92) in the 30 days after hospital discharge. In a logistic regression analysis adjusting for multiple demographic, clinical, and health service variables, the OR was similar (OR, 0.75; 95% CI, 0.59-0.95). The adjusted OR for unplanned 30-day hospital readmissions was 0.62 (95% CI, 0.47-0.83). Each of these findings persisted across a range of propensity score analyses-including adjustment, stratification, and inverse probability treatment weighting-and several sensitivity analyses.Androgen therapy may reduce the risk of rehospitalization in older men with testosterone deficiency. Given the high rates of early hospital readmission among older adults, further exploration of this intervention holds broad clinical and public health relevance.

SUBMITTER: Baillargeon J

PROVIDER: S-EPMC4860086 | biostudies-literature | 2016 May

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature

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Androgen Therapy and Rehospitalization in Older Men With Testosterone Deficiency.

Baillargeon Jacques J Deer Rachel R RR Kuo Yong-Fang YF Zhang Dong D Goodwin James S JS Volpi Elena E

Mayo Clinic proceedings 20160406 5

<h4>Objective</h4>To assess whether the receipt of androgen therapy is associated with a reduced 30-day rehospitalization rate among older men with testosterone deficiency.<h4>Patients and methods</h4>We conducted a retrospective cohort study using a 5% national sample of Medicare beneficiaries. We identified 6372 nonsurgical hospitalizations between January 1, 2007, and December 31, 2012, for male patients aged 66 years and older with a previous diagnosis of testosterone deficiency. Patients wh ...[more]

PMID: 27061765

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Project description:BackgroundSerum testosterone concentrations decrease as men age, but benefits of raising testosterone levels in older men have not been established.MethodsWe assigned 790 men 65 years of age or older with a serum testosterone concentration of less than 275 ng per deciliter and symptoms suggesting hypoandrogenism to receive either testosterone gel or placebo gel for 1 year. Each man participated in one or more of three trials--the Sexual Function Trial, the Physical Function Trial, and the Vitality Trial. The primary outcome of each of the individual trials was also evaluated in all participants.ResultsTestosterone treatment increased serum testosterone levels to the mid-normal range for men 19 to 40 years of age. The increase in testosterone levels was associated with significantly increased sexual activity, as assessed by the Psychosexual Daily Questionnaire (P<0.001), as well as significantly increased sexual desire and erectile function. The percentage of men who had an increase of at least 50 m in the 6-minute walking distance did not differ significantly between the two study groups in the Physical Function Trial but did differ significantly when men in all three trials were included (20.5% of men who received testosterone vs. 12.6% of men who received placebo, P=0.003). Testosterone had no significant benefit with respect to vitality, as assessed by the Functional Assessment of Chronic Illness Therapy-Fatigue scale, but men who received testosterone reported slightly better mood and lower severity of depressive symptoms than those who received placebo. The rates of adverse events were similar in the two groups.ConclusionsIn symptomatic men 65 years of age or older, raising testosterone concentrations for 1 year from moderately low to the mid-normal range for men 19 to 40 years of age had a moderate benefit with respect to sexual function and some benefit with respect to mood and depressive symptoms but no benefit with respect to vitality or walking distance. The number of participants was too few to draw conclusions about the risks of testosterone treatment. (Funded by the National Institutes of Health and others; ClinicalTrials.gov number, NCT00799617.).

Project description:BackgroundThe andropause is associated with declines in serum testosterone (T), loss of muscle mass (sarcopenia), and frailty. Two major interventions purported to offset sarcopenia are anabolic steroid therapies and resistance exercise training (RET). Nonetheless, the efficacy and physiological and molecular impacts of T therapy adjuvant to short-term RET remain poorly defined.MethodsEighteen non-hypogonadal healthy older men, 65-75 years, were assigned in a random double-blinded fashion to receive, biweekly, either placebo (P, saline, n = 9) or T (Sustanon 250 mg, n = 9) injections over 6 week whole-body RET (three sets of 8-10 repetitions at 80% one-repetition maximum). Subjects underwent dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry, ultrasound of vastus lateralis (VL) muscle architecture, and knee extensor isometric muscle force tests; VL muscle biopsies were taken to quantify myogenic/anabolic gene expression, anabolic signalling, muscle protein synthesis (D2 O), and breakdown (extrapolated).ResultsTestosterone adjuvant to RET augmented total fat-free mass (P=0.007), legs fat-free mass (P=0.02), and appendicular fat-free mass (P=0.001) gains while decreasing total fat mass (P=0.02). Augmentations in VL muscle thickness, fascicle length, and quadriceps cross-section area with RET occured to a greater extent in T (P < 0.05). Sum strength (P=0.0009) and maximal voluntary contract (e.g. knee extension at 70°) (P=0.002) increased significantly more in the T group. Mechanistically, both muscle protein synthesis rates (T: 2.13 ± 0.21%·day-1 vs. P: 1.34 ± 0.13%·day-1 , P=0.0009) and absolute breakdown rates (T: 140.2 ± 15.8 g·day-1 vs. P: 90.2 ± 11.7 g·day-1 , P=0.02) were elevated with T therapy, which led to higher net turnover and protein accretion in the T group (T: 8.3 ± 1.4 g·day-1 vs. P: 1.9 ± 1.2 g·day-1 , P=0.004). Increases in ribosomal biogenesis (RNA:DNA ratio); mRNA expression relating to T metabolism (androgen receptor: 1.4-fold; Srd5a1: 1.6-fold; AKR1C3: 2.1-fold; and HSD17β3: two-fold); insulin-like growth factor (IGF)-1 signalling [IGF-1Ea (3.5-fold) and IGF-1Ec (three-fold)] and myogenic regulatory factors; and the activity of anabolic signalling (e.g. mTOR, AKT, and RPS6; P < 0.05) were all up-regulated with T therapy. Only T up-regulated mitochondrial citrate synthase activity (P=0.03) and transcription factor A (1.41 ± 0.2-fold, P=0.0002), in addition to peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor-γ co-activator 1-α mRNA (1.19 ± 0.21-fold, P=0.037).ConclusionsAdministration of T adjuvant to RET enhanced skeletal muscle mass and performance, while up-regulating myogenic gene programming, myocellular translational efficiency and capacity, collectively resulting in higher protein turnover, and net protein accretion. T coupled with RET is an effective short-term intervention to improve muscle mass/function in older non-hypogonadal men.

Project description:ImportanceRecent studies have yielded conflicting results as to whether testosterone treatment increases cardiovascular risk.ObjectiveTo test the hypothesis that testosterone treatment of older men with low testosterone slows progression of noncalcified coronary artery plaque volume.Design, setting, and participantsDouble-blinded, placebo-controlled trial at 9 academic medical centers in the United States. The participants were 170 of 788 men aged 65 years or older with an average of 2 serum testosterone levels lower than 275 ng/dL (82 men assigned to placebo, 88 to testosterone) and symptoms suggestive of hypogonadism who were enrolled in the Testosterone Trials between June 24, 2010, and June 9, 2014.InterventionTestosterone gel, with the dose adjusted to maintain the testosterone level in the normal range for young men, or placebo gel for 12 months.Main outcomes and measuresThe primary outcome was noncalcified coronary artery plaque volume, as determined by coronary computed tomographic angiography. Secondary outcomes included total coronary artery plaque volume and coronary artery calcium score (range of 0 to >400 Agatston units, with higher values indicating more severe atherosclerosis).ResultsOf 170 men who were enrolled, 138 (73 receiving testosterone treatment and 65 receiving placebo) completed the study and were available for the primary analysis. Among the 138 men, the mean (SD) age was 71.2 (5.7) years, and 81% were white. At baseline, 70 men (50.7%) had a coronary artery calcification score higher than 300 Agatston units, reflecting severe atherosclerosis. For the primary outcome, testosterone treatment compared with placebo was associated with a significantly greater increase in noncalcified plaque volume from baseline to 12 months (from median values of 204 mm3 to 232 mm3 vs 317 mm3 to 325 mm3, respectively; estimated difference, 41 mm3; 95% CI, 14 to 67 mm3; P = .003). For the secondary outcomes, the median total plaque volume increased from baseline to 12 months from 272 mm3 to 318 mm3 in the testosterone group vs from 499 mm3 to 541 mm3 in the placebo group (estimated difference, 47 mm3; 95% CI, 13 to 80 mm3; P = .006), and the median coronary artery calcification score changed from 255 to 244 Agatston units in the testosterone group vs 494 to 503 Agatston units in the placebo group (estimated difference, -27 Agatston units; 95% CI, -80 to 26 Agatston units). No major adverse cardiovascular events occurred in either group.Conclusions and relevanceAmong older men with symptomatic hypogonadism, treatment with testosterone gel for 1 year compared with placebo was associated with a significantly greater increase in coronary artery noncalcified plaque volume, as measured by coronary computed tomographic angiography. Larger studies are needed to understand the clinical implications of this finding.Trial registrationclinicaltrials.gov Identifier: NCT00799617.

Project description:Abstract BACKGROUND: In men, obesity is often associated with low testosterone (T) levels, but information is limited as to how body weight affects the pharmacokinetic profile or dosing of testosterone therapy (TTh) in men with T deficiency. Historically, men with body mass index (BMI) >32.4 kg/m2 required higher doses of T 2% gel to achieve physiological T levels than men with BMI ≤29.1 or 29.2–32.4 kg/m2.(1) In a phase 3 trial (N=150) of subcutaneous (SC) testosterone enanthate (TE) administered weekly, concentration-guided dosing raised T levels to within physiological range in 92.7% of patients.(2) Here, we report a post hoc analysis evaluating the association between body weight and serum T levels attained with SC TE. Methods: SC TE was evaluated in an open-label, single-arm, dose-blinded, 52-week phase 3 trial (NCT02159469). Patients self-administered 75 mg SC TE weekly during the titration phase; blinded dose-adjustments in 25 mg increments occurred at pre-defined time points beyond the sixth dose. The primary endpoint of this study was the percentage of patients achieving an average serum T concentration (Cavg0-168h) of 300 to 1,100 ng/dL at week 12. For this post hoc analysis, a linear regression model with weight and dose as independent variables was used to assess differences in mean minimum T concentration (Cmin) and Cavg0-168h at week 12. Results: For this analysis, 137 patients were included. Doses were 50 mg (n=25), 75 mg (n=93), and 100 mg (n=19). The mean weight was 84.4 kg, 102.2 kg, and 112.0 kg for the 50 mg, 75 mg, and 100 mg dose groups, respectively (range, 49.9–146.5 kg). The dose-normalized T Cmin was 9.2 ng/dL, 5.7 ng/dL, and 4.3 ng/dL per 1 mg of SC TE for the 50 mg, 75 mg, and 100 mg groups, respectively. The dose-normalized T Cavg0-168h was 12.0 ng/dL, 7.2 ng/dL, and 5.7 ng/dL per 1 mg of SC TE. In an overall linear regression model, 48.2% (P<0.0001) and 55.0% (P<0.0001) of the total variance in Cmin and Cavg0-168h, respectively, can be predicted from the independent weight and dose variables. Conclusion: Our results show an inverse relationship between body weight and T exposure. Men with higher mean body weights required higher doses of SC TE to achieve physiologic T levels compared with men with lower mean body weights. The available doses provide effective options to reach target exposures. These findings highlight the impact of weight and dose selection on SC TE exposure. References: (1) Dobs et al., J Sex Med 2014;11:857–864; (2) Kaminetsky et al., J Urol. 2019;201:587–94.

Project description:BACKGROUND:Fall accidents are a major cause of mortality among the elderly and the leading cause of traumatic brain injury. After a fall, many elderly people never completely recover and need help in coping with everyday life. Due to the increasing older population in the world, injuries, disabilities, and deaths caused by falls are a growing worldwide problem. Muscle weakness leads to greatly increased risk of falling, decreased quality of life, and decline in functional capacity. Muscle mass and muscle power decrease about 40% from age 20 to 80 years, and the level of testosterone decreases with age and leads to impaired muscle mass. In addition, 20% of men older than 60 years-and 50% older than 80 years-have low levels of testosterone. Treatments after a fall are significant financial burdens on health and social care, and it is important to find treatments that can enhance function in the elderly people. OBJECTIVE:The purpose of this study is to investigate whether testosterone and progressive resistance training alone or combined can improve muscle strength and reduce the risk of falls in older men. Additionally, we will examine whether such treatments can improve quality of life, functional capacity, including sexual function, and counteract depression. METHODS:This is a randomized placebo-controlled, double-blind trial in which frail older men with testosterone deficiency are treated with testosterone supplemental therapy and therapist-assisted progressive resistance training for 20 weeks, with the possibility to continue treatment for 1 year. Four study arms of 48 participants each are provided based on factorial assignment to testosterone supplemental therapy and progressive resistance training. The 4 groups are as follows: controls given placebo injections without physical exercise for 20 weeks, testosterone-alone group given testosterone injections without physical exercise for 20 weeks, training-alone group given placebo injections for 20 weeks combined with 16 weeks of progressive strength training, and combination group given testosterone injections for 20 weeks combined with 16 weeks of progressive strength training. Performance in the 30-second chair stand test to measure improvement of general strength, balance, and power in lower extremities is the primary endpoint. Secondary endpoints comprising tests of cognition, muscle strength, and quality of life are applied before and after the training. RESULTS:Funding was provided in October 2016. Results are expected to be available in 2020. Sample size was calculated to 152 participants divided into 4 equal-sized groups. Due to age, difficulty in transport, and the time-consuming intervention, up to 25% dropouts are expected; thus, we aim to include at least 192 participants. CONCLUSIONS:This investigation will evaluate the efficacy of testosterone supplemental therapy alone or combined with progressive resistance training. Additionally, improvements in quality of life and cognition are explored. TRIAL REGISTRATION:Clinicaltrials.gov NCT02873559; https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT02873559 (Archived by WebCite at http://www.webcitation.org/6x0BhU2p3).

Dataset Information

Androgen Therapy and Rehospitalization in Older Men With Testosterone Deficiency.

Publications

Androgen Therapy and Rehospitalization in Older Men With Testosterone Deficiency.

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