Endocrine Abstracts

Background: Testosterone replacement therapy is available in a variety of preparations. Nebido, a long acting testosterone undecanoate injection offered at 3 monthly intervals, has recently become available thus reducing the need for frequent injections.

Aim: To investigate the efficacy and safety of Nebido.

Patients and methods: Eighteen patients aged between 22–77 years (median 44.5 years) with primary or secondary hypogonadism were treated with Nebido 1000 mg. Each was given a loading dose of two injections 6 weeks apart. The third injection was given 18 weeks after commencing on treatment. Serum testosterone, PSA and FBC were measured. Patients completed a psychological assessment questionnaire before commencing treatment and at last assessment.

Results: Serum testosterone increased from 4.68 nmol/l mean (range 0.4–10.2) to 13.02 nmol/l mean (range 6.3–23.9) (P=0.000). PSA increased from 0.58 mean (range 0.1–2) to 0.87 mean (range 0.3–2.5) (P=0.013). No patients showed PSA levels above the normal range. Haemoglobin increased from 14.13 g/dl mean (range 11–17.2) to 15.10 g/dl mean (range 11.8–17.9) (P=0.003). Haematocrit increased from 0.43 mean (range 0.356–0.519) to 0.46 mean (range 0.391–0.534) (P=0.02). Two patients had polycythaemia prior to commencing on Nebido which continued whilst on Nebido and required venesection. No other patients developed polycythaemia over the 18 week period.

Psychological assessment questionnaire showed a significant increase in sexual desire (P=0.001) and sexual activity (P=0.003).

No adverse effects were noted at the injection site.

Conclusion: Nebido 1000 mg given over an 18 week period is a safe and effective treatment for hypogonadism which is well tolerated by patients.