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Men with Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA) have been shown to have a high incidence of testosterone deficiency. Low testosterone (T) can also predispose these patients to have more severe disease. Researchers at the Veteran's Administration investigated the effect of TRT on rheumatoid arthritis activity in male patients.
Doctors prescribed a HORRIBLE TRT protocol - 200mg every eight weeks. Assessment of RA activity and treatment monitoring included: patient and physician global scores, tender and swollen joint counts, liver function tests, CBC, ESR and CRP. TRT monitoring assessments included: 30-second chair rise, 50-feet walk test, measurement of grip strength, Aging Male Symptoms (AMS) scale, as well as testosterone, prolactin, LH, and FSH measurements. Despite the inadequate protocol, patients showed marked improvement. No adverse side effects of TRT were reported.
With TRT, 100% of patients had a decreased 50-foot walk time, 85% increased their 30-second chair rise, 92% decreased their DAS28, 50% had decreased CRP levels and 92% had decreased ESR. At 16 weeks of therapy, 50 % of patients met DAS28 remission criteria (DAS28<2.6).
"Effect of Treatment of Hypogonadism On Rheumatoid Arthritis In Male Veterans," American College of Rheumatology Conference, Talk: Effect of Treatment of Hypogonadism On Rheumatoid Arthritis In Male Veterans (2011 ACR/ARHP Annual Scientific Meeting)
Doctors prescribed a HORRIBLE TRT protocol - 200mg every eight weeks. Assessment of RA activity and treatment monitoring included: patient and physician global scores, tender and swollen joint counts, liver function tests, CBC, ESR and CRP. TRT monitoring assessments included: 30-second chair rise, 50-feet walk test, measurement of grip strength, Aging Male Symptoms (AMS) scale, as well as testosterone, prolactin, LH, and FSH measurements. Despite the inadequate protocol, patients showed marked improvement. No adverse side effects of TRT were reported.
With TRT, 100% of patients had a decreased 50-foot walk time, 85% increased their 30-second chair rise, 92% decreased their DAS28, 50% had decreased CRP levels and 92% had decreased ESR. At 16 weeks of therapy, 50 % of patients met DAS28 remission criteria (DAS28<2.6).
"Effect of Treatment of Hypogonadism On Rheumatoid Arthritis In Male Veterans," American College of Rheumatology Conference, Talk: Effect of Treatment of Hypogonadism On Rheumatoid Arthritis In Male Veterans (2011 ACR/ARHP Annual Scientific Meeting)
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