Hypogonadism is frequent in very old men with multimorbidity and is associated with anemia and sarcopenia.

Abstract

Clinical data regarding hypogonadism in very old men with multimorbidity are rare. Hypogonadism can contribute to osteoporosis, anemia and sarcopenia and is therefore arelevant problem for geriatric patients. Atotal of 167 men aged 65-96years (mean 81 ± 7years) admitted to an acute geriatric ward were included in across-sectional study. Body composition derived from dual-energy X‑ray absorptiometry, bone mineral density, handgrip strength, multimorbidity, polypharmacy and laboratory values were obtained from the routine electronic clinical patient file. Hypogonadism was present in 62% (n = 104) of the study participants, of whom 83% showed clinical manifestation of hypogonadism (hypogonadism in combination with anemia, sarcopenia and/or low T‑score). The subgroups showed adistribution of 52% primary and 48% secondary hypogonadism. Compared to the eugonadal patients, hypogonadal patients had reduced handgrip strength (p = 0.031) and lower hemoglobin levels (p = 0.043), even after adjustment for age, body mass index and glomerular filtration rate. Hypogonadism is common in geriatric patients. If chronic anemia, sarcopenia, or osteoporosis are diagnosed, testosterone levels should be determined in geriatric settings.