Comparison of the effect of bromocriptine and zinc on serum prolactin and sexual functions in patients with chronic renal failure

ABSTRACT

Hyperprolactinemia is a frequent endocrine abnormality in uremic patients and is usually accompanied by low zinc [Zn] level, decreases in potency and libido. This study was conducted on 50 subjects composed of 40 male uremic patients on regular hemodialysis with impaired sexual functions. 20 of them received Bromocriptine [Bro] for 6 months, 20 of them received oral Zn for 6 months with 10 well cross matched healthy volunteers. The aim is to compare the effect of Zn and Bro-administration on serum prolactin [PRL] level, libido and sexual functions. A detailed sexual history was obtained from every patient. None of the cases was receiving drugs or had any diseases that affect PRL level with more stress on exclusion of neuropsychiatric causes of impotence, serum creatinine and urea were estimated as well as serum PRL and Zn before and after treatment. From this study, it can be concluded that in uremic patients, under dialysis serum PRL was found to be high, while serum Zn level was significantly low. Bro-administration lead sexual function [about 80%]. Zn administration decreased significantly serum PRL level and improved sexual function [about 50%], however its impact on PRL level and sexual function remained inferior to the effect of Bro