Predicting biochemical response to clomiphene citrate in men with hypogonadism Journal Article


Authors: Mazzola, C. R.; Katz, D. J.; Loghmanieh, N.; Nelson, C. J.; Mulhall, J. P.
Article Title: Predicting biochemical response to clomiphene citrate in men with hypogonadism
Abstract: Introduction: Clomiphene citrate (CC) is as an effective treatment for men with hypogonadism (HG). Identifying the ideal candidate for this strategy has to date largely relied upon a patient's interest in preservation of testicular volume and spermatogenesis. Aim: This analysis was undertaken to define if predictors existed of robust elevation in serum testosterone (T) levels in response to CC. Methods: Seventy-six men with a diagnosis of HG (two separate early morning total T levels <300ng/dL) opting for CC therapy constituted the study population. Demographic, comorbidity data, and physical and laboratory characteristics were recorded. Laboratory tests were conducted 4 weeks after commencement and every 6 months thereafter. Multivariable analysis was conducted to define if predictors of biochemical response could be identified. Parameters included in the model were patient age, mean testicular volume, varicocele presence, and baseline total T, free T, and luteinizing hormone (LH) levels. Main Outcome Measure: Successful biochemical response to CC, defined as an increase of ≥200ng/dL in total T level at ≥6 months after commencing CC, was the main outcome measure. Results: Mean age was 46±22 years. Mean pretreatment testicular volume was 16±8mL. Mean baseline T and LH levels were 179±72ng/dL and 7.2±5.6IU/mL, respectively. Mean total T on CC was 467±190ng/dL. Forty-seven patients (62%) met the responder definition, with a mean increase in total T levels of 302±76 (204-464) ng/dL. In CC responders, the mean LH rise was 5.6±3.1IU/mL. On multivariable analysis, factors predictive of CC response included: mean testicular volume (adjusted [adj.] r=0.32, P<0.01), mean testicular volume ≥14mL (hazard ratio [HR] 2.2, P<0.01), LH level (adj. r=0.48, P<0.001), and LH level ≤6IU/mL (HR 3.5, P<0.001). Conclusion: These data indicate that two thirds of men with HG meet a robust responder definition and that pretreatment testicular volume and LH levels (in continuous and dichotomized fashions) are predictors of response. © 2014 International Society for Sexual Medicine.
Keywords: adult; treatment response; aged; major clinical study; prediction; infertility; laboratory test; comorbidity; testosterone blood level; hypogonadism; testosterone; clomifene citrate; testis size; luteinizing hormone; varicocele; testosterone replacement therapy; secondary hypogonadism; human; male; priority journal; article; clomiphene citrate; testicular atrophy; lh
Journal Title: Journal of Sexual Medicine
Volume: 11
Issue: 9
ISSN: 1743-6095
Publisher: Elsevier Inc.  
Date Published: 2014-09-01
Start Page: 2302
End Page: 2307
Language: English
DOI: 10.1111/jsm.12592
PROVIDER: scopus
PUBMED: 24902614
DOI/URL:
Notes: Export Date: 1 December 2014 -- Source: Scopus
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MSK Authors
  1. Darren Jonathan Katz
    43 Katz
  2. John P Mulhall
    601 Mulhall
  3. Clarisse Mazzola
    16 Mazzola
  4. Christian Nelson
    391 Nelson