Effect of androgens on anemia and malnutrition in renal failure: Implications for patients on peritoneal dialysis

Abstract

Objective: To analyze the implications of the potential use of androgens in peritoneal dialysis patients, focusing on their effects on hematologic and nutritional parameters. This manuscript reviews the different compounds for clinical use, dosage schedules, adverse effects, and how therapy with androgens might be used to treat anemia and malnutrition in these dialysis patients. Data Sources: Studies in the literature dealing with the effects of androgens on hematologic and nutritional parameters, and their role in uremic anemia and malnutrition. Study Selection: Studies in which uremic patients received androgens as therapy for anemia or malnutrition. Data Extraction: Data were abstracted from all of these studies. Results: This review shows that androgens are anabolic substances that also have significant actions on erythropoiesis. A number of clinical studies in uremic patients have found that these compounds have beneficial effects on hematologic parameters and nutritional status, similarly to other therapies, such as recombinant human erythropoietin and recombinant human growth hormone, respectively. Conclusions: Androgens have been shown to have a beneficial effect on anemia due to renal disease and on nutritional status in uremic patients. Further studies need to be done with larger groups of patients. Objectives for additional research are suggested.