A pilot study of anabolic steroids in elderly patients with hip fractures.
OBJECTIVE
To determine the safety and efficacy of the anabolic steroid nandrolone in elderly patients with hip fractures.


METHODS
A randomized double-blind placebo-controlled trial.


METHODS
The orthopedic ward of a university teaching hospital.


METHODS
29 frail elderly females with hip fractures.


METHODS
Subjects received nandrolone 2 mg/kg (n = 15) or placebo (n = 14) by weekly injection for 4 weeks or until discharge.


METHODS
Baseline functional status was assessed by the Lawton-Brody ADL and IADL. Hemoglobin, transferrin, thyroid-binding prealbumin, albumin, liver function tests, creatinine, weight, MAMC, bioelectric impedance, standard anthropometrics and grip strength were measured at baseline and weekly intervals. Rehabilitation parameters and length of stay were recorded.


RESULTS
The placebo and nandrolone groups were similar in age, although the control group had slightly higher baseline ADL scores. There was no difference between groups in biochemical parameters, anthropometrics, body composition, grip strength, rehabilitation end points or length of stay. One subject in the nandrolone group had a doubling of AST and was withdrawn from the study.


CONCLUSIONS
Nandrolone can be given safely to frail elderly subjects with hip fractures but is likely to be of minimal benefit at the doses we employed.
Sloan
J P
JP
Department of Family Practice, University of British Columbia, Vancouver.
Wing
P
P
Dian
L
L
Meneilly
G S
GS
D000203:Activities of Daily Living; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D000886:Anthropometry; D001823:Body Composition; D001955:British Columbia; D004434:Early Ambulation; D005260:Female; D016330:Frail Elderly; D015577:Geriatric Assessment; D006620:Hip Fractures / Q000097:blood / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000503:physiopathology; D006785:Hospitals, University; D006801:Humans; D007902:Length of Stay / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D009277:Nandrolone / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D010865:Pilot Projects; D010993:Plethysmography, Whole Body; D016474:Weight-Bearing
D009277:Nandrolone