Gonadal Function in Young to Middle Aged HIV-infected Men

Gonadal Function in Young to Middle Aged HIV-infected Men Assessed by Isotopic Dilution-liquid Chromatography-mass Spectrometry (ID-LC-MS/MS) and Chemiluminescent Immunoassay

HIV infection is associated to premature decline of serum testosterone. However, prevalence and biochemical characterization of hypogonadism in HIV-infected men are still to be well defined. HIV-infection is strongly associated to erectile dysfunction in men, but preliminary data suggest that it is poorly associated with serum testosterone in this context.

The aim of this study is to evaluate the gonadal function of young to middle aged HIV-infected men in order to characterize hypogonadism by assessing circulating total testosterone with either Liquid Chromatography tandem Mass Spectrometry (LC-MS/MS) or chemiluminescent immunoassay. Furthermore, secondary aim is to assess the erectile function through the use of validated questionnaires (International Index of Erectile Function (IIEF) 15 and 5).

Inclusion Criteria:

• Male gender
• Age 18-50 years
• HIV-infection
• Ongoing Highly Active Antiretroviral Therapy

Exclusion Criteria:

• Previous treatment with androgens, anti-androgens
• Severe liver insufficiency
• Severe renal insufficiency