Monitoring Haematocrit in Paediatric Patients Receiving Testosterone Therapy in Arab Countries

Abstract

Objectives Testosterone is the main agent used to induce puberty in boys in Arab countries. It is recommended to monitor haematocrit before and during androgen replacement. However, data from single centre studies indicated that this recommendation is rarely practiced by paediatricians compared to adult physicians. The aim of this study is to evaluate the monitoring of haematocrit of patients on Testosterone therapy by paediatric endocrinologists practicing in Arab countries. Results One hundred four physicians responded to the survey from 17 countries. 81/104 (77.8%) answered the question about Testosterone monitoring (42 paediatric endocrinologists, 11 general paediatrician consultants with interest in endocrine, 16 specialists, four fellows and eight residents). Of the 81 responders 18 clinicians (22.2%) thought of monitoring the haematocrit; 15 (18.5%) thought no laboratory monitoring is needed at all. Conclusion The survey indicated that most paediatric endocrinologists in Arab countries do not monitor haematocrit in patients on testosterone replacement and majority are not aware that secondary erythrocytosis can result from androgen therapy. Raising the awareness on monitoring haematocrit during androgen replacement therapy is needed especially when reaching the adult dose.