Platelet aggregation in Klinefelter syndrome is not aggravated by testosterone replacement therapy: A longitudinal...

Area of Science:

• Endocrinology
• Hematology
• Andrology

Background:

• Klinefelter syndrome (KS) is associated with increased cardiovascular risk.
• Testosterone replacement therapy (TRT) is commonly prescribed for men with KS.
• TRT has been suggested to potentially increase platelet aggregation and cardiovascular risk in men with KS.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate platelet aggregation in men with KS before and during TRT.
• To compare platelet aggregation in men with KS to a male reference population.
• To assess the impact of TRT route on platelet aggregation.

Main Methods:

• Studied 41 adult men with KS, including those with no prior TRT, on long-term TRT, and a male reference group.
• Assessed platelet aggregation using adenosine diphosphate, thrombin-receptor-activating-peptide-6 (TRAP), and arachidonic acid (ASPI) agonists.
• Compared platelet aggregation between KS groups and reference population, stratified by TRT administration route (gel vs. injection).

Main Results:

• Platelet aggregation in men with KS was not increased at baseline or during TRT compared to controls.
• No significant changes in platelet aggregation were observed during TRT follow-up.
• Men receiving testosterone gel showed slightly higher TRAP- and ASPI-induced platelet aggregation than those receiving injections.

Conclusions:

• Platelet aggregation is normal in men with KS, both before and after short-term or long-term TRT.
• The study findings do not support an independent role for platelets in the elevated cardiovascular risk observed in KS.
• TRT route may have a minor differential effect on platelet reactivity, warranting further investigation.