A review of the role of testosterone in the care of the critically ill patient

Testosterone is an anabolic and androgenic steroid hormone therapeutically used to produce male sex characteristics. It has also been shown to have a modulating effect on proinflammatory biomarkers. Critical illness is characterised by a proinflammatory and catabolic state and is accompanied by alte...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:The Southern African journal of critical care 2024-04, Vol.40 (1), p.16-22
Main Authors: Stevenson, R, Bishop, D G, Rodseth, R N
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Review
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Summary:Testosterone is an anabolic and androgenic steroid hormone therapeutically used to produce male sex characteristics. It has also been shown to have a modulating effect on proinflammatory biomarkers. Critical illness is characterised by a proinflammatory and catabolic state and is accompanied by altered testosterone production, which may persist into the recovery phase. Testosterone may, therefore be a potential therapeutic option in critical illness. This paper reviews normal testosterone physiology, and the changes seen during critical illness and systematically reviews testosterone therapy during both the acute and chronic phases of critical illness.
ISSN:1562-8264
2078-676X
DOI:10.7196/SAJCC.2024.v40i1.1303