title: Study of body composition, lung function, and quality of life following use of anabolic steroids in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is characterized by irreversible airflow limitation and is associated with weight loss and decreased muscle strength and exercise capacity.
  
  
  METHODS
  A double-blinded randomized controlled trial of 32 male COPD patients (age, 54.94 ± 11.27 years) was carried out to assess effects of anabolic steroid in terms of a daily high-protein, high-calorie diet alone or one combined with anabolic steroids on body composition, lung function, and health-related quality of life (HRQL). Outcomes were assessed by anthropometric and spirometric measurements, peak expiratory flow rate, partial pressure of oxygen in arterial blood, 6-minute walk test (6MWT), hand grip test, and HRQL index scores. Measurements were made at baseline and end of treatment (6 weeks).
  
  
  RESULTS
  All patients showed significant difference (P < .001) in pulmonary function parameters and anthropometric measurements after 6 weeks of intervention (within-group changes); however, no significant improvement occurred in the pulmonary function parameters between the groups. The difference in exercise capacity (6MWT) and HRQL scores in the treatment group were statistically significant (P < .001) compared with control group after 6 weeks of intervention. In the treatment group, the average 6MWT distance increased from 213.5 m to 268.5 m at 6-week follow-up, and HRQL scores increased from 101.25 to 118.45. Also, HRQL and 6MWT parameters were positively correlated in response to steroid supplementation at the end of the study.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Weekly administration of anabolic steroids during 6 weeks increased exercise capacity and quality of life in patients with COPD.
authors.affiliation: Mradul Kumar Daga, Department of Medicine, 129 B. L. Taneja Block, Maulana Azad Medical College, New Delhi, India. Email: drmraduldaga@gmail.com.
authors.forename: Mradul Kumar
authors.initials: MK
authors.lastname: Daga
authors.forename: Naushad Ahmad
authors.initials: NA
authors.lastname: Khan
authors.forename: Varun
authors.initials: V
authors.lastname: Malhotra
authors.forename: Suman
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Kumar
authors.forename: Govind
authors.initials: G
authors.lastname: Mawari
authors.forename: Harmanjit Singh
authors.initials: HS
authors.lastname: Hira
mesh_terms: D000203:Activities of Daily Living; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D045930:Anabolic Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D000886:Anthropometry; D001823:Body Composition / Q000187:drug effects*; D019587:Dietary Supplements; D004311:Double-Blind Method; D005080:Exercise Test; D006801:Humans; D008168:Lung / Q000187:drug effects* / Q000503:physiopathology; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009277:Nandrolone / Q000031:analogs & derivatives* / Q000627:therapeutic use; D000077603:Nandrolone Decanoate; D010809:Physical Fitness; D029424:Pulmonary Disease, Chronic Obstructive / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000503:physiopathology; D011788:Quality of Life; D016138:Walking / Q000502:physiology
chemical_list: D045930:Anabolic Agents; D009277:Nandrolone; D000077603:Nandrolone Decanoate
keywords: anabolic agents; chronic obstructive pulmonary disease; nandrolone; nutrition; nutrition assessment