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Reproductive hormones after pancreas transplantation.
L R Mack-Shipman1, T Ratanasuwan, J P Leone
1Department of Internal Medicine, University of Nebraska Medical Center and NHS Hospital, Omaha 68198-3020, USA.
Transplantation
|November 4, 2000
Summary
Reproductive hormone function after pancreas transplantation (PTX) is largely unaffected in men but commonly abnormal in women. Further research is needed to understand the multiple potential causes of these hormonal changes in female PTX recipients.
Area of Science:
- Endocrinology
- Transplantation Medicine
- Reproductive Health
Background:
- Reproductive hormone function following pancreas transplantation (PTX) remains largely uncharacterized.
- Previous studies have not investigated hormonal changes after PTX.
Purpose of the Study:
- To prospectively evaluate changes in reproductive hormones in patients undergoing pancreas transplantation.
- To compare hormonal profiles between male and female recipients post-PTX.
Main Methods:
- Prospective study of 23 PTX recipients (10 women, 13 men) assessing testosterone/estradiol, LH, FSH, and prolactin.
- Hormone levels measured pre- and 1 year post-PTX.
- Patients received various immunosuppression regimens including cyclosporine, FK-506, prednisone, and azathioprine.
Main Results:
- Men generally maintained normal testosterone levels post-PTX, with resolution of hypogonadism in one of two pre-existing cases.
- Pre-transplant hypogonadism was present in 50% of women (3 primary, 2 secondary).
- Post-transplant, 70% of women exhibited abnormal reproductive hormones, including primary hypogonadism, secondary hypogonadism, and one case of hyperestrogenemia.
Conclusions:
- Women demonstrate a higher incidence of reproductive hormone abnormalities compared to men, both before and after pancreas transplantation.
- The etiology of these hormonal disturbances in women is likely multifactorial.
- Hormonal changes post-PTX were not linked to prolactin, renal function, or hyperglycemia.