Effect of androgens on anemia and malnutrition in renal failure: Implications for patients on peritoneal dialysis

Objective:To analyze the implications of the potential use of androgens in peritoneal dialysis patients, focusing on their effects on hematologic and nutritional parameters. This manuscript reviews the different compounds for clinical use, dosage schedules, adverse effects, and how therapy with andr ogens might be used to treat anemia and malnutrition in these dialysis pati ents. Data Sources: Studies in the literature dealing with the effects of androge ns on hematologic and nutritional parameters, and their role in uremic anem ia and malnutrition. Study Selection: Studies in which uremic patients received androgens as the rapy for anemia or malnutrition. Data Extraction: Data were abstracted from all of these studies. Results:This review shows that androgens are anabolic substances that also have significant actions on erythropoiesis. A number of clinical studies in uremic patients have found that these compounds have beneficial effects on hematologic parameters and nutritional status, similarly to other therapie s, such as recombinant human erythropoietin and recombinant human growth ho rmone, respectively. Conclusions: Androgens have been shown to have a beneficial effect on anemi a due to renal disease and on nutritional status in uremic patients. Furthe r studies need to be done with larger groups of patients. Objectives for ad ditional research are suggested.