Year: 2025
Type: article
Study design: Case Report
Abstract: Gynecomastia is a benign proliferation of the glandular tissue of the male breast. It is a common physiological condition during infancy and puberty and typically resolves spontaneously in most cases. However, adult-onset gynecomastia requires proper evaluation to identify the underlying cause. Several medications are associated with gynecomastia in adults, with some having a clear pathophysiologic mechanism while others do not. We report a 78-year-old male with chronic kidney disease (CKD) who developed painful gynecomastia following the administration of darbepoetin. The gynecomastia resolved upon cessation of darbepoetin but recurred upon its reintroduction. Extensive evaluation did not identify any other underlying cause. To our knowledge, this is the first case describing an association between darbepoetin and gynecomastia. In addition to presenting the case, we briefly discuss the hormonal changes in CKD patients and the potential effects of synthetic erythropoiesis-stimulating agents (ESAs) on hormone regulation.
Source: Case Reports in Nephrology
DOI: 10.1155/crin/6653329
Authors: Randah Abdullah Dahlan, Maram Khalid Sait, Alaa Khalil Monjed
Institutions: King Abdullah Medical City, King's College Hospital
Language: English
Topic: Male Breast Health Studies
Field: Medicine
Domain: Health Sciences
Open Access status: gold
Estimated APC paid: $790
OpenAlex ID: W4409207652