Abstract
Low dose (0.05 mg/kg day) Oxandrolone (OX) treatment in prepubertal children [n=13; CA 9.8y (4.7-11.2); HTSDS −2.5 ± 0.5] with CDGA increased HV from 5.0 ± 1.1 cm/yr to 7.1 ± 0.8 cm/yr after 6 months and 8.6 ± 1.4 cm/yr after 12 months of therapy. In some children however, rapid bone maturation compromised growth prognosis. Concentrations of OX (serum), epI-OX and other physiological steroid metabolites (serum, urine) were measured by gas-chromatography/mass-spectrometry in these children before and on OX. Within 24 h after OX, levels in serum varied between 8.7 and 0.4 ng/ml. Excretion of OX [epI-OX] in urine varied between 16 and 223 μg/24h (x = 64.1 ± 69 μg/24h) [3.4 and 12.8 μg/24h (x = 5.9 ± 3.6 μg/24h)]. OX treatment suppressed androgen excretion [Androsteron from 536 ± 498 before to 370 ± 192 μg/24h on OX; Etlocholanolon from 357 ± 349 to 169 ± 92 ng/24h]. This effect was more pronounced in children with primarily higher androgen excretion.
Conclusion : OX is widely used, but knowledge of its action and metabolism is scarce. Individual differences in metabolism and excretion may be responsible for the side effects, e.g. rapid bone maturation. The Influence of OX on the metabolism of endogenous androgens Indicates an androgenic action of the substance. Individual dose adjustment appears to be necessary.
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Wollmann, H., Schänzer, W., Donike, M. et al. THE VARIABILITY OF OXANDROLONE LEVELS IN SERUM AND URINE POSES NEW QUESTIONS TO ITS USE FOR TREATMENT OF CDGA. Pediatr Res 33 (Suppl 5), S48 (1993). https://doi.org/10.1203/00006450-199305001-00270
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1203/00006450-199305001-00270