Impact of COVID-19 and other viral infections of male fertility (preliminary data)

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OBJECTIVE

To study the parameters of the hormonal status, hemostasis parameters, biochemical blood test and semen analysis in men of reproductive age who have undergone a new coronavirus infection (COVID-19).

MATERIAL AND METHODS

The study included 50 men who had a new coronavirus infection (COVID-19) and received treatment in hospital setting. The study was conducted 3 months later in the presence of positive IgG antibodies to COVID-19. All patients underwent a comprehensive examination, including the study of the hormonal profile, hemostasis parameters, biochemical blood test, identification of concomitant urological diseases, as well as semen analysis (concentration, mobility, morphology, MAR-test), according to WHO 2010 criteria.

RESULTS

The examination revealed a decrease in the level of total testosterone in 19 (38%) patients. The values ranged from 6.41 to 10 nmol/l (reference values 10.50—35.40 nmol/l). The biochemical blood analysis revealed the following changes: an increase in creatinine levels to 117—180 μM / L (reference values 80—115 μM/L) in 15 (30%) patients, total bilirubin (22—42.7 μM/L (reference values 1.7—21.0 μMol/L) in 9 (18%) patients, alanine aminotransferase 43-109 U/L (reference values 0.0—41 U/L) in 19 (38%) patients, the level of aspartate aminotransferase was 45—82 U/L (with a norm of 0.0—40 U/L) in 10 (20%) patients Analysis of the hemostasis revealed hypercoagulation in 11 (22%) patients, and hypocoagulation in 6 (12%) patients. Abnormalities in the semen analysis were found in 10 (20%) patients with teratozoospermia in all the samples. In 8 (16%) patients, leukospermia was determined. There was a statistically significant decrease in the serum total testosterone level in 38% of patients (p<0.025). At the same time, the levels of follicle-stimulating hormones, luteinizing hormones, estradiol and prolactin remained within the reference values.

CONCLUSIONS

The results of this study demonstrated the changes in sperm morphology, an increase in the number of leukocytes in the ejaculate and a decrease in testosterone levels in patients who have undergone a new coronavirus infection (COVID-19). There were deviations in the biochemical blood test and hemostasis parameters. The given data are preliminary. In order to perform a comprehensive statistical analysis further studies are needed on a larger sample of patients who have had a new coronavirus infection

Keywords:

new coronavirus infection

COVID-19

teratozoospermia

semen analysis

decrease in total testosterone levels

consequences of COVID-19

Authors:

Dashko A.A.

O.M. Filatov City clinical hospital No 15

Elagin V.V.

Moscow State University of Medicine and Dentistry named after A.I. Evdokimov

ORCID: 0000-0001-6490-5691

Kiseleva Yu.Yu.

O.M. Filatov City clinical hospital No 15

Doroshenko D.A.

O.M. Filatov City clinical hospital No 15

SPIN RSCI: 9451-7029
Scopus AuthorID: 6506309334
ResearcherID: C-7826-2016
ORCID: 0000-0001-8045-1423

Adamyan L.V.

Moscow State Medical and Dental University named after A.I. Evdokimov

SPIN RSCI: 9836-2713
Scopus AuthorID: 7006372422
ResearcherID: Q-1722-2018
ORCID: 0000-0002-3253-4512

Vechorko V.I.

Filatov City Clinical Hospital No.15 of the Moscow Departament of Health

SPIN RSCI: 3192-2421
Scopus AuthorID: 57195555127
ORCID: 0000-0003-4860-9256

Received:

18.12.2020

Accepted:

20.12.2020

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