Oxandrolone 2.5mg tablets

Severe burn injuries induce hypermetabolism, leading to protein catabolism, impaired wound healing, and increased infection risk. Burn patients often experience androgen depletion, exacerbating these issues. Oxandrolone, a synthetic anabolic steroid, has shown promise in counteracting these metabolic disturbances. This updated meta-analysis evaluates the efficacy and safety of oxandrolone in burn patients, incorporating recent studies, pediatric populations, long-term outcomes, and combination therapies. This PRISMA 2020-compliant systematic review searched 9 databases (PubMed, Embase, Cochrane, WOS, WHO-ICTRP, CNKI, VIP, Wanfang, CBMdisc) for RCTs published between 2005 and 2025 using validated strategies combining controlled vocabulary (MeSH/Emtree) and free-text terms for burn/trauma AND androgen analogs (e.g., oxandrolone, nandrolone). Included trials compared androgen analogs vs. controls (placebo/standard care) in burn patients, reporting ≥ 1 predefined outcome: (1) Lean body mass (recovery phase, ≥ 14 days post-burn); (2) Mild side effects (hepatic dysfunction [ALT/AST ≥ 2 × ULN] or edema); (3) Infections; (4) Mortality; (5) Surgical procedures; (6) LOS/TBSA; (7) Absolute LOS. Dual-independent screening, data extraction, and risk-of-bias assessment (Cochrane RoB 2.0 per outcome) were performed. Random-effects meta-analyses generated standardized mean differences (SMD) for continuous outcomes and risk ratios (RR) for dichotomous outcomes with 95% CIs. Fourteen RCTs (2005–2025; n = 2822 patients: 1203 intervention vs. 1619 controls) demonstrated significant reductions in surgical procedures (SMD = − 1.25; 95% CI − 2.45 to − 0.04; p = 0.04; I2 = 97.2%) and length of stay normalized to TBSA (LOS/TBSA) (SMD = − 1.07; 95% CI − 2.43 to 0.29; p = 0.007; I2 = 98.1%), alongside enhanced anabolic recovery evidenced by increased weight gain (SMD = 0.58; 95% CI − 1.21 to 2.38; p < 0.001) and lean mass (SMD = 1.30; 95% CI − 0.47 to 3.24; p < 0.001; I2 ≥ 95.0%). However, no mortality benefit was observed (RR = 1.04; 95% CI 0.47–2.32; p = 0.913; I2 = 66.5%), with unchanged infection rates (RR = 0.83; 95% CI 0.67–1.02; p = 0.639) and no improvement in donor site healing (SMD = − 1.48; 95% CI − 2.18 to 0.77; p = 0.116). Safety analysis revealed a non-significant increase in treatment-related side effects (hepatic dysfunction/edema; RR = 1.82; 95% CI 0.52–6.42; p = 0.34), notably higher transaminase elevations in adults (19% vs. 5% placebo; p = 0.002). Oxandrolone demonstrates clinical utility in burn management by significantly reducing surgical burden (SMD = − 1.25; p = 0.04), shortening hospitalization (LOS/TBSA SMD = − 1.07; p = 0.007), and enhancing anabolic recovery (weight gain SMD = 0.58; lean mass SMD = 1.30; both p < 0.001). However, extreme heterogeneity (I2 ≥ 95.0%) and temporal limitations necessitate cautious interpretation. Critically, it confers no mortality benefit (RR = 1.04; p = 0.913), fails to reduce infections (RR = 0.83; p = 0.639), and elevates hepatotoxicity risk in adults (19% vs. 5%; p = 0.002). These findings support its adjunctive role in metabolic rehabilitation but mandate risk-stratified implementation.

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Background This latest systematic review and meta-analysis aim to examine efficacy and safety of androgen analog oxandrolone in burn patients. Methods Relevant articles were retrieved from Pubmed, Embase, Cochrane, Web of science, International Clinical Trials Registry Platform, China National Knowledge Infrastructure, VIP Database for Chinese Technical Periodicals, Wanfang database and China Biology Medicine disc. The output measures were the weight loss in catabolic phase, weight gain in recovery phase, lean body mass in recovery phas, operation times, healing time of donor area, length of hospital stay/total body surface area burned (LOS/TBSA%), length of hospital stay (LOS), side effects, infection and mortality. Data were pooled and expressed as relative risk (RR) and standardized mean difference (SMD) with a 95% confidence interval (CI). Results 19 studies were included in this systematic review and meta-analysis, with 779 patients who received oxandrolone (treatment group) and 1,227 patients who received standard care or placebo (control group). The pooled data from all included studies demonstrated that the treatment group has significantly reduced weight loss in catabolic phase (SMD = 1.86; 95% CI: −0.13–3.84; p &amp;lt; 0.001, I 2 = 95.0%), operation times (SMD = −0.69; 95% CI: −1.84–0.46, p &amp;lt; 0.001, I 2 = 96.8%), LOS/TBSA% (SMD = −1.07; 95% CI: −2.43–0.29, p &amp;lt; 0.001, I 2 = 98.1%), LOS (SMD = −0.55; 95% CI: −1.32–0.22, p &amp;lt; 0.001, I 2 = 97.3%) and increased weight gain (SMD = 0.58; 95% CI: −1.21–2.38, p &amp;lt; 0.001, I 2 = 95.1%), as well as lean body mass in recovery phase (SMD = 1.30; 95% CI: −0.47–3.24, p &amp;lt; 0.001, I 2 = 95.0%). There were no significant differences in healing time of donor area (SMD = −1.48; 95% CI: −2.18–0.77, p = 0.116, I 2 = 53.7%), side effects (RR = 1.13; 95% CI: 0.68–1.87, p = 0.174, I 2 = 28.4%) and infection (RR = 0.83; 95% CI: 0.67–1.02, p = 0.639, I 2 = 0.0%) between the two groups, and it did not significantly reduce mortality (RR = 1.04, 95% CI: 0.47–2.32, p = 0.013). Conclusion Our meta-analysis showed that oxandrolone supplements are beneficial for burn patients as they significantly reduce the weight loss in catabolic phase, operation times, LOS/TBSA%, LOS, mortality and increase weight gain and lean body mass in recovery phase. However, this intervention has minimal impact on healing time of donor area, side effects and infection.

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OBJECTIVE: To identify the best evidence on the efficacy of treatment interventions for inclusion body myositis (IBM) and to describe their safety. METHODS: Systematic review of randomised controlled trials (RCTs) of pharmacological treatments of adults with IBM, conducted according to the Cochrane Handbook, updating a previous Cochrane review. The search strategy was run on Cochrane Neuromuscular Disease Group Specialized Register, CENTRAL, MEDLINE and EMBASE, ClinicalTrials.gov and the WHO International Clinical Trials Registry Platform. Assessment of risk of bias, data extraction and synthesis were performed independently by two reviewers. Data pooled in statistical meta-analyses, if possible. RESULTS: From a total of 487 records, 48 were selected for full-text review, 14 fulfilled the inclusion criteria, but only 2 RCTs were included in meta-analyses due to clinical heterogeneity (different drug interventions or dosages). Treatments included various immunosuppressive and immunomodulatory agents, alongside interventions modulating muscle growth and protein homoeostasis. Efficacy was assessed across multiple outcomes, namely muscle strength, physical function, mobility and muscle trophicity. Trials of methotrexate (MTX), intravenous immunoglobulin, interferon beta-1a and MTX, MTX and anti-T-lymphocyte immunoglobulin, oxandrolone, MTX and azathioprine, bimagrumab, arimoclomol, and sirolimus provided low-quality to high-quality evidence of having no effect on the progression of IBM. CONCLUSIONS: Drug interventions for IBM were not effective for most of the outcomes of interest. We observed inconsistency of outcome measures across trials. More RCTs are needed, of adequate size and duration, and using a standardised set of outcome measures.

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Background: The last decade has seen transformative changes in burn care, driven by advances in pharmacology, regenerative medicine, surgical techniques, and digital technologies. As management strategies evolve beyond survival to encompass functional and esthetic recovery, this review consolidates current evidence to inform best practice. Methods: A comprehensive narrative review was conducted using PubMed to identify peer-reviewed English-language articles from the past 10 years relevant to acute and long-term burn management. Selection focused on high-level evidence, including randomized controlled trials, systematic reviews, and meta-analyses, emphasizing novel and evolving clinical interventions. Results: Key advances include the integration of propranolol and oxandrolone for metabolic modulation; enzymatic debridement agents such as NexoBrid®; regenerative approaches like epidermal cell sprays (e.g., RECELL®) and dermal substitutes (e.g., Integra®, MatriDerm®, NovoSorb® BTM); and innovations in scar modulation, notably fractional CO2 laser therapy. The emergence of 3D bioprinting, and artificial intelligence further supports a shift toward precision burn medicine. Conclusions: Burn management is evolving from protocol-driven to patient-centred care, underpinned by high-quality evidence and technological innovation. The integration of systemic, local, and rehabilitative strategies is improving outcomes in survival, function, and quality of life. Ongoing challenges include cost, access, and translation of novel therapies into widespread clinical practice.

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This study aimed to review the effects of performance enhancing drugs (PEDs), such as anabolic steroids, on clinical outcomes in critically ill patients. A systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials comparing any of the known PEDs with placebo during intensive-care unit (ICU) admission was performed, excluding erythropoietin stimulating agents. Data were pooled using a random-effects model, while outcomes from non-eligible studies for meta-analysis were reported separately. Risk of bias was assessed through the cochrane risk of bias (ROB) 2 tool. Twenty-three studies were included. Only studies using growth hormone, nandrolone, and oxandrolone were found. Growth hormone improved nitrogen balance (standardized mean difference = 1.4 g, 95% confidence interval 0.47-2.32). While mortality was unaffected, it caused increased ICU and hospital stay. A substantial heterogeneity and a concerning risk of bias were present among the studies. PEDs showed no survival benefit but may improve nitrogen balance. A possible subgroup that could benefit from growth hormone or anabolic steroids are critically ill patients who have surpassed the acute inflammatory phase of critical illness. Further research into various aspects of PEDs is needed within the context of current clinical practices.

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Mechanical ventilation (MV) is a cornerstone of supportive care in intensive care units (ICUs), but prolonged ventilation is associated with adverse outcomes. Several pharmacologic agents with respiratory stimulants have been investigated to facilitate weaning and improve clinical outcomes; yet no comprehensive comparison across available agents exists. This network meta-analysis (NMA) aimed to compare and rank available interventions in adult patients receiving MV. A systematic search of PubMed, Web of Science, and Scopus (up to November 10, 2023) identified 15 randomized controlled trials (1,528 participants) evaluating ten respiratory stimulants in mechanically ventilated critically ill adults: Almitrine Bismesylate (AB), Doxofylline (DX), Progesterone (PRG), Acetazolamide (ACZT), Growth Hormone (GH), Oxandrolone (OXA), Nandrolone (NA), Caffeine (CAF), Donepezil (DPZ), and a multi-agent adjuvant therapeutic (AT) regimen containing anisodamine. Data were analyzed using a frequentist network meta-analysis with treatment rankings based on SUCRA values. Risk of bias was assessed using the modified Cochrane RoB 2 tool. No pharmacologic intervention significantly reduced hospital or ICU mortality, duration of mechanical ventilation, or time to successful weaning compared with placebo. According to SUCRA rankings, NA, OXA, and PRG had the highest probabilities of reducing hospital mortality, with NA also associated with shorter ICU and hospital stays. DPZ and PRG significantly shortened weaning duration, while GH showed the greatest reduction in mechanical ventilation duration. GH, PRG, and DPZ had the highest likelihood of successful weaning. Heterogeneity and inconsistency were generally low, except for the duration of mechanical ventilation (I² = 86.2%, p < 0.001). No pharmacologic intervention significantly reduced hospital mortality. However, agents such as NA, GH, and DPZ may help shorten ICU stay, reduce duration of mechanical ventilation, or improve weaning efficiency. These findings underscore the potential value of multi-agent adjuvant approaches and highlight the need for larger, high-quality trials to confirm their clinical benefits.Trial registration: CRD42023454122 (18/10/2023).

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BACKGROUND: Idiopathic short stature (ISS) is defined as height more than two standard deviations below the mean for age and sex, without an identifiable pathological cause. Pharmacologic options such as growth hormone (GH), testosterone, and aromatase inhibitors (AIs) have been studied for their potential to promote height gain in affected children and adolescents. AIM: To compare the efficacy of GH, testosterone, and AIs in promoting height gain in children and adolescents with ISS, considering both individual and combination treatments using a network meta-analysis. SUBJECTS AND METHODS: funnel plots and Egger's test. RESULTS: All the treatment groups (GH, anastrozole, letrozole, AI+GH) demonstrated significantly greater height gains than did the placebo group. Letrozole was associated with the greatest increase in height (SMD = 0.83, 95% CI = 0.38-1.28). No statistically significant differences were observed among the active treatments. Oxandrolone did not significantly differ from the placebo (SMD = 0.52, 95% CI = -0.03-1.07). CONCLUSION: GH, AIs, and combination therapies improve height in children and adolescents with ISS, with letrozole showing a modest advantage but no clear superiority, highlighting the need for individualised treatment.

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OBJECTIVE: To systematically evaluate the effect of short-term androgen therapy on final adult height in boys with constitutional delay of growth and puberty (CDGP). METHODS: Original studies investigating androgen therapy in children with CDGP and reporting final adult height as an outcome were retrieved from PubMed, Embase, Web of Science, and SpringerLink. The search period extended from database inception to September 2025. EndNote 20.0 was used for duplicate removal, and study quality was assessed using the Newcastle-Ottawa Scale (NOS). Literature screening, data extraction, and quality assessment were independently conducted by two researchers, with discrepancies resolved through consultation with a third researcher. Meta-analysis was performed using R 4.5.2 and Review Manager 5.4.1. RESULTS: = 0.3982). Meta-analysis showed that, compared with untreated controls, androgen therapy-including testosterone and oxandrolone-significantly increased measured final adult height [MD = 1.78 cm, 95% CI (0.47, 3.08), P = 0.0076] and significantly improved final height Z-scores [MD = 0.24, 95% CI (0.07, 0.41), P = 0.0057]. Subgroup analyses revealed that the low-dose regimen yielded the most favorable effect [MD = 1.88 cm, 95% CI (0.63, 3.12), P = 0.003], whereas the medium-dose [MD = 1.17 cm, 95% CI (-0.90, 3.25), P = 0.268] and high-dose regimens [MD = 1.68 cm, 95% CI (-5.07, 8.42), P = 0.626] showed no statistically significant benefit. Short-course therapy was associated with greater improvement in final adult height compared with long-course therapy [MD = 2.70 cm, 95% CI (1.30, 4.09), P < 0.001]. In addition, testosterone demonstrated superior efficacy compared with oxandrolone [MD = 2.64 cm, 95% CI (1.44, 3.80), P < 0.001]. CONCLUSION: Short-term androgen therapy can improve final adult height in boys with CDGP, with low-dose, short-course testosterone regimens appearing to be the most favorable option. Given the limited number and retrospective nature of the included studies, these findings require further confirmation through high-quality comparative studies. CLINICAL TRIAL NUMBER: Not applicable.

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INTRODUCTION: Drug alerts aimed at both people who use drugs and health workers help to prevent acute harms from unpredictable illicit drug markets and by equipping health workers to handle unusual drug events and share vital information with service users. However, there has never been an alert produced for anabolic-androgenic steroids (AAS), an important class of illicit drugs. We report on the development, implementation and community receptivity of the first-ever AAS community drug alert. METHODS: Based on findings from samples collected during the first month of an AAS checking trial conducted by drug checking service CheQpoint, we identified contamination in two oxandrolone samples, which prompted issuing of the first-ever AAS community notice. Drawing on digital ethnographic techniques, we collected and analysed social media comments on the notice to assess AAS community perceptions and the broader impact of this harm reduction initiative. RESULTS: The Instagram post by CheQpoint reached 1376 users, with 3429 impressions and 87 interactions. Community feedback indicated receptivity to the notice, with several people in the community recognising the prevalence of AAS adulteration. Responses highlighted the need for more thorough testing and indication of sample content, given the perception of a growing number of new people using AAS. DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSIONS: This study, the first to describe a community notice for illicit market AAS, reveals a strong demand for harm reduction interventions. We call for the urgent expansion of drug-checking services to provision for AAS and, thus, provide equitable health support to address systemic gaps for this group.

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Abstract Anabolic‐androgenic steroids (AASs) are a subclassification of image performance enhancing drugs (IPEDs). While AAS use is most prevalent among people in athletics, there is also high lifetime prevalence of AAS use among prisoners. This study reports the qualitative detection of AASs in seized samples from the Scottish prisons from 2019–2023. Additionally, methods were developed for the quantitative analysis of AASs using gas chromatography–mass spectrometry (GC–MS) and applied to 61 samples of tablets or powders seized from Scottish prisons between July 2022 and July 2023. Since 2022, there has been an increase in AAS detections in the Scottish prisons. Oxymetholone was the most prevalent AAS, followed by metandienone (methandrostenolone, methandienone), methyltestosterone, oxandrolone, mestanolone (methylandrostanolone), stanozolol, and androstenedione. Multiple AASs were found in 21 samples and 10 samples contained other drugs, including amitriptyline, sertraline, zopiclone, mirtazapine, sildenafil, etizolam, Δ 9 ‐tetrahydrocannabinol, and the synthetic cannabinoid MDMB‐INACA. Most AAS samples were tablets (77.0%), although they were also detected in powders, herbal material, e‐cigarettes, and a fragmented soap bar‐type sample. There was a large variation in the concentration of AASs in the tablets and powders seized from the Scottish prisons, demonstrating AASs are another highly variable component of the polydrug use situation in prisons, the effects of which need to be examined further.

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