THE EFFECT OF AN ANABOLIC STEROID ON BODY COMPOSITION IN PATIENTS RECEIVING INTRAVENOUS NUTRITION

Abstract

The effect of an anabolic steroid, in terms of the changes in body composition that occurred in ill surgical patients requiring i.v. nutrition was investigated. Glucose was the sole nonprotein energy source. The study was conducted over a 14-day period in 2 comparable groups of 13 patients. The changes in body weight, fat, protein and water were measured. The control group received a nutrient solution of hypertonic dextrose and amino acids (44.8 .+-. 8.2 kcal/kg per day), and the comparative group received the same solution (44.3 .+-. 5.2 kcal/kg per day) and 100 mg of an i.v. injection of nandrolone decanoate at the commencement of the study and again 1 wk later. Over the 2-wk period both groups gained body weight. In the controls this was composed of fat (0.4 kg) and water (1.5 kg). In the anabolic steroid group, weight gain was mainly water and fat gain did not occur. Neither group gained body protein. Diuretic therapy was required more often (21 patient days vs. 5 patient days; P < 0.001) in the anabolic steroid group to control excessive water retention. There was evidently no benefit from an anabolic steroid when given in combination with a 14-day course of i.v. nutrition. Water retention was a problem with this therapy.