Hypogonadism in Wegener's granulomatosis.

Objective: Current developments in the management of Wegener's granulomatosis (WG) focus on adoption of therapeutic strategies to avoid complications of both the disease and its therapy. Systematic analyses with respect to the reproductive system in WG are missing.Methods: Data of a cross‐sectional study of sexual hormones in 19 male WG patients were analysed. Disease extension was classified according to the ears, nose, and throat (E), lungs (L), and kidneys (K) classification (ELK classification) and to the disease extent index (DEI). Laboratory investigation included measurement of gonadotrophins, oestradiol, and total serum testosterone. Hypogonadism was defined by an increase in follicle‐stimulating hormone (FSH) beyond twice the upper reference range in the presence of low serum testosterone. Thirty‐eight age‐matched men served as controls.Results: Hypogonadism was found in 52.6% of the patients but was not detectable in any of the controls (p<0.0001). No significant correlation to any clinical fact...