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[Long-term treatment of renal anaemia with mesterolone (author's transl)]
Abstract:
Mesterolone, 150 mg daily by mouth, was given to 26 patients (10 men, 16 women) with renal anaemia on chronic haemodialysis (3 times for 5 hours). At the beginning of treatment the patients had been dialysed for at least 6 months under stable conditions: iron deficiency had been excluded or treated. Progressive improvement in the anaemia was observed during the treatment period. After 39 months the haemoglobin concentration had risen from 74 +/- 4 g/l to 95 +/- 5 g/l, haematocrit from 0.22 +/- 0.01 to 0.28 +/- 0.02, and the red-cell count from 2.44 +/- 0.12 X 10(12)/l to 3.09 +/- 0.2 X 10(12)/l. Side effects were rare; some patients developed increased appetite with a rise in body weight, while some women developed acne or hirsutism. There was no effect of mesterolone on liver function. The results indicate that mesterolone can favourably influence renal anaemia and that the side effects of this testosterone derivative are not such as to prohibit its use in women.
Insights
Mesterolone treatment improved renal anaemia in patients undergoing chronic haemodialysis. This testosterone derivative effectively raised hemoglobin and red blood cell counts with minimal side effects, even in women.
Area of Science:
- Endocrinology
- Nephrology
Context:
- Chronic kidney disease patients on haemodialysis often suffer from renal anaemia.
- Iron deficiency was excluded or treated prior to mesterolone administration.
Purpose:
- To evaluate the efficacy and safety of mesterolone in treating renal anaemia in patients on chronic haemodialysis.
Summary:
- Mesterolone (150 mg daily) was administered to 26 patients (10 men, 16 women) with renal anaemia.
- Significant improvements were observed in haemoglobin (74 to 95 g/l), haematocrit (0.22 to 0.28), and red-cell count (2.44 to 3.09 X 10(12)/l) over 39 months.
- Side effects were infrequent, including increased appetite and weight gain; some women experienced acne or hirsutism. No adverse effects on liver function were noted.
Impact:
- Mesterolone demonstrates a favourable impact on renal anaemia, offering a viable treatment option.
- The safety profile suggests mesterolone can be used in women despite potential minor side effects.