O7.13 Testosterone deficiencies and supplementation

Observational studies in COPD patients have revealed reduced total testosterone levels compared with matched controls [WMD -3.21nmol/L (95% CI -5.18 to -1.23)] (Atlantis 2013). The clinical significance of this finding is unclear. Although testosterone supplementation therapy has been shown to increase peak muscle strength and peak work load achieved in patients with COPD (not necessarily with testosterone deficiency) maximal oxygen uptake and Health-related Quality of Life (HRQoL) were not improved. More data are awaited to determine whether screening patients with COPD for testosterone deficiency is clinically necessary and whether supplementation in deficient patients can induce any clinically relevant benefits.