ArticleEndocrine connections2023
Is ongoing testosterone required after pubertal induction in Duchenne muscular dystrophy?
Article in Endocrine connections, 2023. The graph could read no effect estimate from its abstract, so it casts no vote on the map. Cited by 6 papers.
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Who cites it
6 citing papers in PubMed, 11 citations in OpenAlex.
- Optimizing Care for Growth and Puberty in Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy: A Survey of Clinical Practice in the OPTIMIZE DMD Consortium.Muscle & nerve · 2026Article
- Navigating sexual health, fertility, and adult wellness in individuals with Duchenne muscular dystrophy: Current standards of care and future directions.Journal of neuromuscular diseases · 2026Review
- Spinal muscular atrophy is also a disorder of spermatogenesis.Orphanet journal of rare diseases · 2024Article
- Review
- Poor bone health in Duchenne muscular dystrophy: a multifactorial problem beyond corticosteroids and loss of ambulation.Frontiers in endocrinology · 2024Review
- Review
Corrections and comments
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Authors and funding
11 authors at 4 institutions in 1 country.
Funding
Abstract
Glucocorticoids (GC) reduce inflammation and preserve muscle function in boys with Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD) but cause pubertal delay. Pubertal induction with testosterone is recommended but longer-term outcome is unknown.
objectiveTo assess hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal axis, muscle volume and function 5 years after pubertal induction.
methodsA prospective observational follow-up of a clinical study was conducted. 15 GC-treated males with DMD were treated with incremental testosterone for 2 years (end of regimen +2y) then evaluated at +2.5y and +5y (final follow-up~ 3 years after last injection). Data collected included testicular volume (TV), gonadotrophin, testosterone, inhibin B, muscle function and limb muscle MRI.
resultsParticipants were 18.7 years (SD 1.6) at final follow-up and had been on GC for 11.2 years (SD 2.2). Testosterone levels were similar at +2.5y (8.6nmol/l (SD 3.4) and 5y (11.0 nmol/l (SD 6.1). TV increased from 2.8 mls (SD 0.9) at +2y to 7.1 mls (SD 1.8) then 10.6 mls (SD 3.5) at +2.5y and +5.0y(p<0.001). Inhibin B levels increased from 55.6 pg/ml (SD 47.0) at baseline to 158.2 pg/ml (SD 87.6), p=0.004 at 5y but remained lower than reference values (mean 305 pg/ml). Muscle contractile bulk decreased.
interpretationPubertal induction with testosterone in DMD is associated with HPG axis activation and ongoing increases in Inhibin B, TV and testosterone concentrations. Some patients have normal levels which is promising regarding future fertility. Given the beneficial impact of testosterone on bone health, muscle and wellbeing, monitoring testosterone levels in this population and supplementation of sub-optimal levels is important.
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Registered trials
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