In November, 2002, the results of this study examining the use of oxandrolone in ALS were presented at the International Symposium of ALS/MND.
Despite receiving oxandrolone, patients' muscle groups that were strongest at the onset of the study got significantly weaker over the course of the trial. However, for patients on oxandrolone, muscles that were weakest at the beginning of the study did not get weaker through the 12-month study. Treatment with oxandrolone did not appear to have a positive effect on maintaining body weight or on strength of respiratory muscles.
Further study is being considered to evaluate oxandrolone in combination with other treatments for ALS.
Background
This study was designed to examine the usefulness of oxandrolone, an anabolic steroid, along with conventional nutritional counseling on maintaining body weight and muscle mass in patients with ALS.
Oxandrolone is an orally administered anabolic steroid with unique properties making it a potential benefit to patients with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis. It is currently indicated for weight gain and weight maintenance following extensive surgery, chronic infections, severe trauma and for the relief of bone pain accompanying osteoporosis. Oxandrolone has also been shown to have significant benefits on muscle and respiratory function, although it has not been studied previously in ALS.
Study Design: A pilot study testing the use of oxandrolone in ALS patients has been concluded at the Carolinas Neuromuscular / ALS Center. Inclusion in the study was based on a diagnosis of probable or definite ALS. All patients were between 85-115% of their usual body weight. This was a 12-month study and patients returned for follow-up on a quarterly basis.
This study was designed to look at the safety and long-term effects of oxandrolone use. Muscle size and patient weight were used to assess changes in lean muscle mass. Quantitative muscle testing was measured in both the upper and lower extremities monitoring for improvement in muscle strength. Pulmonary function testing accompanied the muscle testing to determine if oxandrolone strengthened respiratory muscles, thereby enhancing pulmonary function.
For more information on this study, contact:
Ruth King
Carolinas Neuromuscular / ALS Center
437 Scott Avenue
Charlotte, NC 28203
Ph: 704/355-8699
Fax: 704/446-6255
E-mail: mailto:%20Ruth.King@carolinashealthcare.org
