LONG-TERM INTERFERON-ALPHA THERAPY DOES NOT AFFECT SEX-HORMONES IN MALES WITH CHRONIC HEPATITIS-C

The effects of interferon-alpha (IFN-alpha), given at a dosage of 6 MU thrice weekly for 12 months, on gonadal function were investigated in 18 males affected by chronic hepatitis C. Periodically, all patients were clinically monitored and questioned about sexual function, Gonado tropin and serum androgen concentrations (follicle-stimulating hormone , luteinizing hormone, total testosterone, free testosterone, androste nedione, dehydroepiandrosterone, dehydroepiandrosterone sulfate, and s ex hormone binding globulin) were tested every 3 months, Ten of 18 pat ients (55%) responded to IFN-alpha therapy, Serum total testosterone a nd sex hormone binding globulin values decreased slightly at the third month of treatment, then returned to baseline values, Serum free test osterone and other sex hormones remained essentially unchanged during IFN-alpha therapy, Four patients (22.2%) complained of sexual dysfunct ion (impaired libido, erectile failure, and impaired ejaculation), whi ch was unrelated to any significant hormonal change and resolved after IFN therapy was stopped, Serum sex hormones values did not differ bet ween responders and nonresponders to IFN-alpha. This study indicates t hat 12 months treatment with 6 MU of IFN-alpha thrice weekly does not significantly affect gonadal function in men with chronic hepatitis C. The sexual dysfunction observed could be ascribed to such other side effects of IFN as asthenia, fatigue, or anxiety, or it could have a ps ychologic basis.