A randomized, double-blind, controlled trial of testosterone gel treatment versus vehicle control on the facial hair of young men with beta-thalassemia major.

Author(s): Saeedi M, Kosaryan M, Fekri K, Adabi M, Mahdavi MR

Affiliation(s): Department of Pharmaceutics, Faculty of Pharmacy.

Publication date & source: 2007-09-05, J Dermatolog Treat., :1-4 [Epub ahead of print]

Publication type:

Objectives: To determine whether the medical prescription of testosterone gel can successfully increase facial hairs in young men with beta-thalassemia major. Methods: Thirty-two men with beta-thalassemia major, at least 15 years old (tanner stage >/=4), were randomized in four blocks according to age and serum testosterone level. The cases received 2.5% testosterone gel. The changes in the number of terminal hairs were evaluated by a dermatologist after 6 months. Student's t-test and paired t-test were used to compare the results. Results: The serum testosterone levels of controls and cases were 9.5+/-5.7 (mean+/-SD) and 10.5+/-9.6 ng/l, respectively. The number of terminal hairs (per cm(2)) in cases (29.8+/-13.6) was significantly higher than that for controls (13.9+/-13.2) (p<0.005). One patient from each group complained of a sense of irritation. Conclusion: The 2.5% testosterone gel was effective and well tolerated in inducing the transformation of the terminal hairs of the beard area of thalassemic males.