In severe
burns, hyper-metabolic conditions due to elevation of pro-inflammatory
cytokines and stress
hormones usually occur. Unregulated hypermetabolism can lead to
muscle protein catabolism, inducing weakness,
infection, and delayed wound healing.
Oxandrolone is known as an anabolic agent with minor side effects. This study aims to determine the effect of
oxandrolone on lean body mass (LBM) in severe
burn patients. A randomized, double blind and placebo controlled trial was conducted in the
burn centre of the Dr. Soetomo Hospital. Severe
burn patients who met the inclusion criteria were randomized into two groups,
oxandrolone and placebo group.
Oxandrolone was given with a dose 0.1 mg/kg twice a day for 14 consecutive days. Estimated lean body mass (eLBM) for each group was measured on admission (day 0) and day 14. Fourteen
burn patients were enrolled in this study. Lean body mass reduced significantly from 48.69±7.71 to 46.70±7.96 in the placebo group (p-value 0.008) by independent t-test. There was no significant decrease of LBM in the
oxandrolone group. Delta LBM (Δ eLBM) before and
after treatment was 0.38±1.64 in the
oxandrolone group, and -1.32±1.23 in the placebo group (p-value = 0.049). There were no adverse effects during the administration to the
oxandrolone group. In severe
burn patients,
oxandrolone could prevent reduction of LBM compared to placebo and is relatively safe. These findings suggest the efficacy of
oxandrolone in preventing muscle catabolism as a part of hypermetabolism in
burn patients.