Relationship Between Anemia, and Serum Testosterone Levels in Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease Patients: A Cross-sectional Study

Abstract

Background: Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is a complex condition that can be associated with various comorbidities, including anemia and hormonal imbalances. The relationship between COPD, anemia, and serum testosterone levels has not been thoroughly investigated. To examine the relationship between COPD, anemia, and serum testosterone levels in patients with COPD. Materials and Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted at Shahid Faghihi and Namazi hospitals in Shiraz, Iran, and included 43 patients with COPD who were admitted to internal medicine and emergency departments between autumn 2018 and autumn 2019. Patients were evaluated for anemia, and serum testosterone levels were measured. Data were analyzed using SPSS version 22. Results: The study included 27 males (62.8%) and 16 females (37.2%). The prevalence of anemia was 48.1% (13/27) in males and 50% (8/16) in females. Total testosterone was significantly higher in males (M=1.74, SD=1.85) compared to females (M=0.47, SD=0.69), P<.001. The study found that females with anemia had significantly higher mean testosterone total levels compared to those without anemia (p=0.047). However, no significant differences were found in testosterone levels between males with and without anemia. While females with anemia had a mean total testosterone level of 0.32 (SD=0.27), while those without anemia had a mean level of 0.61 (SD=0.91), with a significant P-value of 0.047. Conclusion: This study suggests a potential relationship between anemia and serum testosterone levels in female patients with COPD. Further research is needed to confirm these findings and explore the underlying mechanisms.