SUMMARY
Introduction. Due to intergeneric differences, a potential role for testosterone (T) is hypothesized in assessing the consequences of COVID-19. Testosterone may play a role in the progression of COVID-19 infection due to a cytokine storm. Suppression of ACE2 expression by inflammatory cytokines, accompanied by a decrease in elderly androgens, may create a negative correlation between ACE2 expression and mortality from COVID-19.
Patients and methods. In a cross-sectional analysis, we determined the levels of free (fT) and total T (tT) in 24 men who were admitted to the 5th internal department of LFUK and UNB Ružinov in the period from 13. 12. 2020 to 8. 1. 2021 for COVID-19 disease and subsequently we compared the individual parameters that affect the course of the disease.
Results. In patients with fT less than 6.5 pmol / l (n = 5), we observed increased levels of lymphocytes, ferritin, CRP and a higher percentage of hypertension and diabetes compared to patients with fT greater than 6.5 pmol / l (n = 18). mellitus type 2. In patients with a tT less than 9 nmol / l (n = 19), we observed higher levels of ferritin, procalcitonin and IL6 compared to patients with a tT greater than 9 nmol / l (n = 5). When evaluating the need for oxygen therapy, we also observed an increased need for oxygen therapy in patients with fT less than 6.5 pmol/l and with tT less than 9 nmol/ l.
Conclusion. In this study, we observed that men with lower blood T levels have a worse disease course, prognosis, and mortality than men with higher T levels. However, further work is needed with more patients, prospective follow-up, and therapeutic intervention to confirm this. However, our results and literature suggest the need for early replacement of hypogonadism due to the prevention and treatment of COVID-19 infection.
Key words: testosterone, oxygenotherapy, COVID-19.
Lek Obz, 2022, 71 (3): 122-128
Mária SVITEKOVÁ 1, Martin KUŽMA 1, Juraj SMAHA 1, Peter VAŇUGA 2, Juraj PAYER 1
1 V. interná klinika LF UK a UNB, Bratislava, prednosta prof. MUDr. J. Payer, PhD., MPH
2 Národný endokrinologický a diabetologický ústav, Ľubochňa, riaditeľ JUDr. I. Kovaľ
Cite:
SVITEKOVÁ M., KUŽMA M., SMAHA J., VAŇUGA P., PAYER J.: The influence of testosterone on the course and prognosis of COVID-19 disease. Lek Obz, 2022, 71 (3): 122-128
