The Levels of Gonadal Hormones and Prostate Specific Antigen in Children with Renal Injury
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Abstract
Background: Gonadal hormones, along with prostate-specific antigen (PSA) levels, are important indicators of endocrine and reproductive health. Changes in hormonal status and PSA could be affected by renal dysfunction in children with renal injury. The purpose of this study was to characterize gonadal hormones and PSA levels in children with renal injury, as these biomarkers are impacted by renal dysfunction and are important in terms of endocrine and reproductive health.
Method: The study utilized a cross-sectional design in a tertiary pediatric nephrology clinic, assessing gonadal hormone levels (testosterone, estradiol, LH, FSH) and PSA levels (total PSA, free PSA, percentage free PSA) and stratifying the parameters by sex and age groups in children between 1-18 years of age; 150 patients were included in the analysis.
Results: Gonadal hormones and PSA levels significantly differed, indicating that renal injury may impact endocrine and reproductive health in children. LH and FSH were higher, suggesting hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal axis dysfunction; PSA levels increased with age and the percentage free PSA decreased, possibly indicating prostate maturation. Additionally, worsening renal function was associated with higher LH, FSH, and PSA levels, emphasizing the impact renal dysfunction has on endocrine parameters.
Conclusion: The results suggest that there are altered gonadal hormone and PSA levels in patients with renal injury. Routine tracking of gonadal hormones and PSA may help with the early detection of endocrine and reproductive dysfunctions and the initiation of timely intervention.
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