Damon E Houghton1, Mouaz Alsawas2, Patricia Barrioneuvo2, Mouaffaa Tello2, Wigdan Farah2, Brad Beuschel2, Larry J Prokop3, J Bradley Layton4, M Hassan Murad2, Stephan Moll5. 1. Mayo Clinic, Department of Cardiovascular Diseases, Division of Vascular Medicine & Department of Internal Medicine, Division of Hematology/Oncology, 200 1st St SW, Rochester, MN 55905, USA. Electronic address: houghton.damon@mayo.edu. 2. Mayo Clinic, Evidence-based Practice Center, Mayo Clinic Robert D. and Patricia E. Kern Center for the Science of Health Care Delivery, 200 1st St SW, Rochester, MN 55901, USA. 3. Mayo Clinic Libraries, 200 1st St SW, Rochester, MN 55901, USA. 4. RTI Health Solutions, Research Triangle Park, NC 27709-2194, USA. 5. University of North Carolina School of Medicine, Department of Medicine, Division of Hematology/Oncology, Chapel Hill, NC, USA.
Abstract
BACKGROUND: Testosterone prescribing for men has dramatically increased, and there have been concerns about inappropriate use and adverse events. While regulatory bodies have warned about increased risk of venous thromboembolism (VTE), published clinical data supporting an increased risk for VTE are limited. OBJECTIVE: To conduct a systematic review of studies examining the association between testosterone therapy in men and VTE. METHODS: Comprehensive searches of multiple databases were performed from inception through October 3rd, 2018. Randomized control trials (RCTs) and observational studies examining the association between exogenous testosterone (any route) and VTE. Study selection and data extraction were performed by two independent investigators. Random-effect model meta-analyses were used to estimate pooled odds ratios (OR) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs). Heterogeneity among studies was evaluated using the I2 statistic. Risk of bias was assessed using the Cochrane and Newcastle-Ottawa tools. RESULTS: Six RCTs (n = 2236) and 5 observational studies (n = 1,249,640) were included. Five RCTs were performed in men with documented hypogonadism. The observational studies included: 2 case-control studies, 2 retrospective cohorts, and 1 retrospective cohort with a nested case-control study. There was no evidence of a statistically significant association between VTE and testosterone (OR 1.41, 95%CI 0.96-2.07). Heterogeneity was high (I-squared = 84.4%). The association remained nonsignificant when the analysis was stratified by study design: RCTs (2.05, 95% CI 0.78-5.39); cohort (1.06, 95% CI 0.85-1.33); and case-control (1.34, 95% CI 0.78-2.28). The overall risk of bias was moderate. CONCLUSIONS: The current evidence is of low certainty but does not support an association between testosterone use and VTE in men.
BACKGROUND:Testosterone prescribing for men has dramatically increased, and there have been concerns about inappropriate use and adverse events. While regulatory bodies have warned about increased risk of venous thromboembolism (VTE), published clinical data supporting an increased risk for VTE are limited. OBJECTIVE: To conduct a systematic review of studies examining the association between testosterone therapy in men and VTE. METHODS: Comprehensive searches of multiple databases were performed from inception through October 3rd, 2018. Randomized control trials (RCTs) and observational studies examining the association between exogenous testosterone (any route) and VTE. Study selection and data extraction were performed by two independent investigators. Random-effect model meta-analyses were used to estimate pooled odds ratios (OR) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs). Heterogeneity among studies was evaluated using the I2 statistic. Risk of bias was assessed using the Cochrane and Newcastle-Ottawa tools. RESULTS: Six RCTs (n = 2236) and 5 observational studies (n = 1,249,640) were included. Five RCTs were performed in men with documented hypogonadism. The observational studies included: 2 case-control studies, 2 retrospective cohorts, and 1 retrospective cohort with a nested case-control study. There was no evidence of a statistically significant association between VTE and testosterone (OR 1.41, 95%CI 0.96-2.07). Heterogeneity was high (I-squared = 84.4%). The association remained nonsignificant when the analysis was stratified by study design: RCTs (2.05, 95% CI 0.78-5.39); cohort (1.06, 95% CI 0.85-1.33); and case-control (1.34, 95% CI 0.78-2.28). The overall risk of bias was moderate. CONCLUSIONS: The current evidence is of low certainty but does not support an association between testosterone use and VTE in men.
Authors: Rob F Walker; Neil A Zakai; Richard F MacLehose; Logan T Cowan; Terrence J Adam; Alvaro Alonso; Pamela L Lutsey Journal: JAMA Intern Med Date: 2020-02-01 Impact factor: 21.873
Authors: Baris Gencer; Marco Bonomi; Maria Pia Adorni; Cesare R Sirtori; François Mach; Massimiliano Ruscica Journal: Rev Endocr Metab Disord Date: 2021-02-22 Impact factor: 6.514