Gonadal function and immunosuppressive therapy after renal transplantation.

Abstract End-stage renal disease is associated with disorders in hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal function. Immunosuppressive therapies may influence the restoration of normal levels of gonadal hormones after renal transplantation. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the hormonal status of successful renal transplant recipients who were treated with different immunosuppressive agents. Methods Testosterone, luteinizing hormone (LH), and follicle stimulating hormone (FSH) were measured in 59 male renal transplant recipients with stable graft function with serum creatinine n = 15), group II, sirolimus without calcineurin inhibitors (SRL; n = 15), group III, sirolimus in combination with calcineurin inhibitors (SRL * CI; n = 29). Results Testosterone was significantly lower in group II versus group I (3.12 ± 1.23 versus 4.39 ± 1.53 ng/mL; P Conclusion Sirolimus seems to impair the improvement of gonadal function after renal transplantation. Further prospective studies are needed to confirm these data before patients are advised of this potential side effect.