Association between hypogonadism and severity of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease: A cross-sectional study

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) frequently coexists with other comorbidities, including hypogonadism. However, the association between COPD severity and hypogonadism remains controversial. This study aimed to evaluate this association and compare the clinical characteristics of hypogonadal and eugonadal COPD patients.

A cross-sectional study including men with stable COPD was performed. Hypogonadism was diagnosed based on the presence of symptoms, according to the Androgen Deficiency in Aging Males questionnaire, and a total testosterone deficit (<300ng/dL). COPD severity was classified according to the Spanish COPD guideline risk classification. A multivariate logistic regression analysis was performed in order to evaluate the relationship between COPD severity and hypogonadism.

134 subjects were recruited. The prevalence of hypogonadism was higher in severe COPD than in mild COPD, with a prevalence ratio of 1.8 (p=0.007). An increased odds of hypogonadism was observed in severe COPD subjects (OR 2.60, 95% CI 1.23-5.48, p=0.012) independent of age, body mass index, cardiovascular disease, and chronic renal failure. Hypogonadal COPD patients exhibited lower percentage levels of FVC and FEV₁ and a higher degree of dyspnea than compared to eugonadal COPD patients.

Patients with severe COPD had a higher prevalence of hypogonadism compared to those with mild COPD. Additionally, severe COPD was identified as an independent risk factor for hypogonadism. These findings suggest that hypogonadism should be evaluated in patients with COPD, particularly in those with severe disease.