Use of androgens in chronic renal failure patients on maintenance hemodialysis

The etiology of anemia associated with chronic renal failure, and the advantages and disadvantages of its treatment with androgenic agents, are reviewed. Clinical trials with the following types of androgenic agents are reviewed: 17-alpha-alkylated androgens, testosterone esters, and 19-nortestosterone derivatives. The studies indicate that androgens stimulate erythropoiesis in chronic renal failure patients. However, because of the risk of serious adverse effects, the use of these agents should probably be restricted to those patients who have or may become symptomatic.