We studied the effect of an
anabolic steroid,
oxandrolone, combined with a
high-protein diet (2 g/kg/day) on the rate of
weight gain and restoration of muscle function in the recovery phase after deep
burns of 30 of 50% of total body surface (n = 7). The findings were compared with findings from an isocaloric (2 g/kg/day
protein) diet alone (n = 6). The study was prospective and randomized. Data were also compared retrospectively with data from a group of
burn patients treated in the same fashion using a high-calorie,
high-protein diet with a
protein content of 1.3 to 1.4 g/kg/day (n = 10). Muscle function was quantified using a
physical therapy index defining rate of progress (0 = lowest, 10 = highest).
Oxandrolone was given in the beginning of the recovery phase in a dosage of 10 mg orally twice a day. The recovery phase was defined as resolution of the hypermetabolic state using physiologic criteria. The study was performed in an acute
burn rehabilitation facility where patients were transferred once entering the recovery phase. Patients in each group were not different with regard to age and
burn size. We found that mean
weight loss for all patients was 11 +/- 2% of preburn weight during the catabolic phase despite optimum nutrition and early
wound closure. Data are presented as mean +/- SD. We found that the average
weight gain during the first 3 weeks was 14.5 +/- 2.5 pounds and that the
physical therapy index was 8.8 +/- 0.5 of recovery in the
oxandrolone-
protein group (n = 7); both of these values were significantly greater than the corresponding values in the other groups. In the high-
protein alone group (n = 6),
weight gain was 7.5 +/- 1.7 pounds and
physical therapy index was 7.0 +/- 0.8. In the retrospective group (n = 10),
weight gain was 4.4 +/- 0.8 pounds and function index was 4.1 +/- 0.5. The daily caloric intake was not different between groups.
Protein content and
oxandrolone were the variables. No side effects were noted with
oxandrolone. We can conclude that an
anabolic steroid combined with increased
protein intake can significantly increase the rate of restoration of
weight gain postburn.