madman
Super Moderator
Fig. 2. Population (children/adolescents and adults/older adults) with main reported outcomes for specific diseases.
ABSTRACT
Background
Oxandrolone is a synthetic chemical compound derived from testosterone with a 17-alpha-alkylated structure, showing high potential to enhance the hypermetabolic response and improve clinical outcomes.
Objectives
We aimed to synthesize evidence regarding the safety and effectiveness of Oxandrolone for recognized health problems.
Data sources
A systematic review was performed across six databases using Medical Subject Headings (MeSH) terms and keywords.
Study eligibility criteria, participants, and interventions:
We included randomized controlled trials involving children, adolescents, adults, and older adults treated with oral Oxandrolone at doses ranging from 5 to 80 mg.
Study appraisal and synthesis methods
Two reviewers independently conducted the selection, extraction, and quality assessment processes. A protocol was registered in PROSPERO (CRD42024539483).
Results
A total of 24 studies with 1905 participants were included. In children with burns, Oxandrolone increased bone mineral content, preserved lean body mass, and reduced intensive care length of stay. In children with Klinefelter Syndrome, it improved lean body mass and measures of cardiometabolic health. Positive effects on weight and well-being were noted in adults with HIV, and improvements in lean mass and muscle strength were observed in older women. Most reported adverse events were elevated liver enzymes and musculoskeletal complaints.
Limitations
Studies showed heterogeneity in populations, interventions, and outcomes assessed.
Conclusions and implications of key findings
Oxandrolone administration appears to be associated with improvements in body mass, composition indices, and reduced hospitalization time, with a low incidence of side effects. Further investigations are necessary to confirm clinical benefits for specific diseases.
5. Conclusion
This systematic review investigated the safety and effectiveness of Oxandrolone as therapy for several health problems. When comparing this substance with placebo, the results demonstrate Oxandrolone has significant benefits such as increase in body mass and composition indexes and a shorter time of length of hospital stay and intensive care unit stay. Oxandrolone appears to be safe and has a low incidence of side effects, with the majority of adverse events related to increased liver function and musculoskeletal complaints. It is worth to note there is no consensus in the administered dose and previous studies have shown that liver enzyme activities are increased in oxandrolone-treated groups, therefore, careful consideration in future studies is advisable.
