Implications of renal transplantation on serum testosterone and preoperative factors affecting its levels in the post-transplant period

Abstract

Objective: Low serum testosterone is highly prevalent in chronic kidney disease patients. The objective of the study was to determine levels of serum testosterone at the time of transplantation, the prevalence of testosterone deficiency/insufficiency in the pre- and post-transplant periods, and its correlation with patients’ age, serum creatinine, duration of preoperative dialysis, human leukocyte antigen (HLA) matching, and graft outcomes. Methods: The study was conducted from January 2019 to April 2020. Forty-five male renal transplant patients were evaluated before and at one and six months following transplant for changes in testosterone and creatinine levels. Six-month follow-up was possible for 28 patients. Result: Renal transplantation resulted in significant improvement in testosterone levels as early as one month after transplantation. The duration of preoperative dialysis and HLA match had a negative and positive impact on postoperative serum testosterone levels, respectively. We did not find any impact of testosterone levels on graft function. Conclusion: Successful transplantation among the study population produced a positive impact on serum testosterone levels. The duration of preoperative dialysis and HLA match had a negative and positive impact on postoperative serum testosterone levels, respectively. Level of evidence: XXX.