Trial Outcomes & Findings for Testosterone Replacement in Older Men and Atherosclerosis Progression (NCT NCT00287586)

Testosterone Replacement in Older Men and Atherosclerosis Progression

B-mode carotid artery images for IMT were acquired from the far wall of the distal centimeter of the right carotid artery with high-resolution ultrasound equipment. IMT is used as a predictor of the incidence of cardiovascular events. An increase in the IMT thickness is associated with a higher incidence of cardiovascular events. Less thickening is best. Change is expressed in millimeters (mm).

A multiple detector computed tomography (MDCT) scan was performed. Proximal coronary arteries were visualized, and at least 30 consecutive images were obtained at 3-mm intervals. Coronary calcium was defined as a plaque of at least 3 contiguous pixels (area, 1.02 mm\^2) with a density of more than 130 Hounsfield units.The lesion score was calculated by multiplying lesion area by a density factor derived from Hounsfield units. The Agatston method was used to determine the total calcium score by summing the lesion scores from the left main, left anterior descending, circumflex, and right coronary arteries. The Agatston score is the measure of calcification in arteries expressed on continuous scale with "0" value (better) indicating no calcification and score above 400 (worse) indicating high calcification. There is no upper limit for this measure. A positive change from baseline indicates a worsening.

Laboratory tests included in the lipid profile were Total Cholesterol, High Density Lipoprotein-Cholesterol (HDL-C), Low Density Lipoprotein-Cholesterol (LDL-C) and Triglycerides.Lower values for Total Cholesterol, LDL-C are better and a negative change from Baseline indicates improvement. Higher values for HDL-C are better and a positive change from Baseline indicates improvement.

Cognitive Function was assessed by Complex Figure (Immediate) and (Delayed). The Complex Figure Test consists of three tasks: copy, immediate recall, and delayed recall. Participants were presented with a complex design and then asked to draw the same figure. Subsequently, they were instructed to draw what they remembered immediately, and after a 30 minute delay. Scoring was based on the number of correct items for a total possible score of 0 (worst) to 36 (Best). A positive change from Baseline indicates improvement. A negative change from Baseline indicates a worsening.

Cognitive Function was assessed by the Paragraph Recall Test (Delayed). In the Paragraph Recall Test, participants were read two short paragraphs and asked to recall them immediately and after a 30 minute delay, using the exact words that were read aloud. Scoring was based on the number of items correctly recalled. More items correctly recalled is best and a positive change from Baseline indicates improvement.

Cognitive function was assessed by the Buschke Selective Reminding Test. In the Buschke Selective Reminding Test, participants were read 12 words and asked to recall as many words as possible. Subsequent trials included only those words that were not recalled in the preceding trial. Individuals were also asked to recall the list 30 minutes later. To assess phonemic and category fluency, participants were asked to name as many items from a given category as possible in 1 minute. Higher number of correct items is best and a positive change from Baseline indicates improvement.

Cognitive function was assessed by the Verbal Fluency Test. Participants were asked to name as many letters from a given category as possible in 1 minute. Higher number of letters is best and a positive change from Baseline indicates improvement.

Cognitive function was assessed by the Category Fluency Test. Participants were asked to name as many items from a given category as possible. Higher number of items named is best and a positive change from Baseline indicates improvement.

Cognitive function was assessed by the Stroop Interference Test. In the Stroop Interference Test, participants were presented with a word list of colors printed in ink of a color different from how the printed word read. Participants were instructed to read aloud the color of the ink in which a word was printed, while not verbalizing the word itself. The time in seconds that the items were correctly identified was recorded. Less time is better and a negative change from Baseline indicates improvement.

Cognitive function was assessed by the Trail Making Test B. Trail Making Test B involved participants connecting numbers (1-13) and letters (A-L) alternately (1-A, 2-B, etc) on a piece of paper as quickly as possible. Scores represent the time it takes the participant to complete the test. Less time is best and a negative change from Baseline indicates improvement. A positive change from Baseline indicates a worsening.

Maximal voluntary strength of the lower and upper extremities was assessed using the one repetition maximum (1-RM) method for the seated leg press and chest press exercises. Participants were positioned with standardized seat position and foot placement that allowed 90° of knee flexion for the leg press exercise. Seat height and handle position was standardized for the chest press. Participants were familiarized with the exercises, practiced the technique and completed a 5-minute warm-up. The 1-RM procedure consisted of a warm up set with 5 to 8 repetitions at a resistance set to about 50% of the participant's estimated 1-RM and progressed with increasing loads interspersed with standardized rest periods until the participant was able to perform only one full-range-of-motion repetition.

Physical Function was evaluated using two tests of stair climb power using an indoor 12-step staircase. One test consisted of ascending the 12-steps as rapidly as possible without running (unloaded stair climb) while the second test required participants to carry a load equivalent to 20% of their baseline body weight evenly distributed in two canvas tote bags (loaded stair climb). Time to ascend the stairs was measured electronically with a digital clock and switch mats placed at the base of the steps and on the 12th step. Power in watts is calculated by the following: \[body weight (kilograms) \* distance (meters)/ (time/60)\] /6.12. A negative change from Baseline indicates improvement.

IIEF is a validated, 15-item questionnaire that assesses 5 domains of sexual function: erectile function (6 questions), orgasmic function (2 questions), sexual desire (2 questions), intercourse satisfaction (3 questions), and overall sexual satisfaction (2 questions). Each question was answered on a 5-point scale from 1 to 5 (best) with a total possible score range of 0 to 75 with higher scores representing better function. A positive change from Baseline indicates improvement.

The SF-36 measures 8 domains of the QoL: physical function, bodily pain, vitality, role limitations due to physical problems, general health perceptions, emotional well-being, social function, and role limitations due to emotional problems. Each domain is scored separately from 0 to 100 with higher scores representing better health-related QoL. The Overall Score is the average of the individual domain scores. A negative change from Baseline indicates improvement.