Prostate-specific antigen (PSA) levels in men with Prader-Willi syndrome

Prader-Willi syndrome (PWS) is a rare genetic disorder typically characterized by body composition abnormalities, hyperphagia, behavioral challenges, cognitive dysfunction, and hormone deficiencies. Hypogonadism is common but knowledge on potential side effects of testosterone replacement is limited, in particular, the long-term effects on behavior and PSA.

Patients and methods

Retrospective case studies of seven men, median age 46 years, with genetically verified PWS, testosterone treated hypogonadism and available PSA values were included. Long-term follow-up of PSA was accessible in four patients. Medical records were reviewed for adverse effects.

Results

Five men were treated with intramuscular testosterone undecanoate, two had no hypogonadism. Median PSA was 0.68 μg/L (0.23–1.3), median testosterone 15 nmol/L. After a median time of 17 years of testosterone replacement median PSA was 0.75 μg/L (range 0.46–1.4). Testosterone replacement was well tolerated, and no major behavioral changes were reported. Five were treated with growth hormone for >20 years.

Conclusion

Levels of PSA were low. Long-term treatment with testosterone was working well and did not result in any clinically meaningful increase in PSA. Our results indicate that testosterone replacement is neither associated with serious adverse events regarding changes in behavior or effect on PSA. However, larger studies are needed to confirm our results.