Low testosterone levels as an independent predictor of mortality in men with chronic liver disease

Objective To examine the prevalence and prognostic implications of low serum testosterone levels in men with chronic liver disease. Design We conducted an observational study at a tertiary referral centre. Patients and measurements Baseline serum testosterone was measured in 171 men presenting to the Victorian Liver Transplant Unit for liver transplant evaluation. Patients were followed up to liver transplant or death. Results Sixty-one per cent of men had a low total testosterone level (TT, <10 similar to nm), and 90% of men had a low calculated free testosterone level (cFT, <230 similar to pm). During the available observation time (median 8 similar to months, interquartile range 414 similar to months), 56 men (33%) died and 63 (37%) received a liver transplant. Fifty-two (30%) survived without a transplant. Median time to death was 8 similar to months (range 213) and to liver transplant was 8 similar to months (414). Baseline low TT and cFT levels both (P similar to