Abstract
24 boys, mean age 14.8 yrs, with a delayed pubertal growth spurt were treated with oxandrolone 2.5 mg daily for a mean of 0.3 yr (range 0.21 to 0.65 yr). Mean increment of growth velocity, compared with pretreatment values, was 4.4 cm/yr during the treatment period and 3.7 cm/yr following cessation of treatment. This effect was not due to a spontaneous growth acceleration as mean testicular volume at the start of treatment was 8.4 ml and 9.3 ml at the end of treatment. There was no significant change in height for bone age SDS and no side effects. All patients had normal pubertal progression during and after treatment.
Following this experience we have used an even lower dose of oxandrolone, 1.25 mg daily, for a mean period of 0.28 yr (range 0.22 - 0.38 yr) with an additional 15 boys, mean age 14.7 yr, with similar results. Although we have still not yet defined the minimum dose, 1.25 mg daily for 3 months is safe, effective and much less than has previously been recommended.
We have investigated the mode of action of oxandrolone using 24 hour serum profiles of GH, gonadotrophins and testosterone.
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Stanhope, R., Noone, C. & Brook, C. 185 A search for the lowest: dose of oxandrolone which is effective for the treatment of constitutional delay of growth and puberty in boys. Pediatr Res 19, 634 (1985). https://doi.org/10.1203/00006450-198506000-00205
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1203/00006450-198506000-00205