Danazol causes significant changes in the cardiometabolic profile of patients with acquired aplastic anaemia

Danazol is frequently used in treating patients with acquired aplastic anaemia (AA) in resource-constraint settings. We aimed to evaluate the cardiometabolic side effects of Danazol in patients with AA.

This prospective study included newly-diagnosed AA patients ≥13 years of age who were eligible for Danazol monotherapy (10 mg/kg/day, capped at 600 mg/day). Lipid profile and two-dimensional echocardiogram were obtained at the baseline and after 6 months of Danazol treatment. Transfusion of blood products and liver function test-based dose adjustments were done as indicated. Pre- and post-treatment parameters were compared using SPSS software version 25.

36 patients (median age, 28.5 years) were enrolled. HDL cholesterol decreased by 30 % (p ≤0.001), and LDL cholesterol increased by 11 % (p = 0.002) at the end of 6 months. At the end of 6 months, there was a significant increase in the left ventricular (LV) ejection fraction (p = 0.001), LV mass (p ≤0.001), peak A-velocity (p = 0.01), isovolumetric relaxation time (p = 0.032), and a significant decrease in peak E-velocity (p ≤0.00) and Tei index (p = 0.031). Right ventricular E/A ratio also decreased significantly (p < 0.001).

Danazol treatment causes profound dyslipidaemia and potential cardiac dysfunction in patients with AA.