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Oxandrolone in constitutionally delayed growth, a longitudinal study up to final height
E E Joss1, H A Schmidt, K A Zuppinger
1Department of Pediatrics, University of Berne, Switzerland.
The Journal of Clinical Endocrinology and Metabolism
|December 1, 1989
Summary
Oxandrolone treatment for one year increased height velocity and bone age in children with constitutionally delayed growth, but did not affect final adult height. This anabolic steroid may still benefit short children psychologically.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Endocrinology
- Growth and Development
- Pharmacology
Background:
- Constitutionally delayed growth is a common cause of short stature in children.
- Anabolic steroids like oxandrolone have been investigated for their potential to enhance growth velocity.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the effect of oxandrolone on height velocity, bone maturation, and final adult height in prepubertal children with constitutionally delayed growth.
Main Methods:
- A randomized controlled trial involving prepubertal boys and girls treated with oxandrolone for 12 months at low and high doses.
- Height velocity, bone age, and height predictions were assessed using standard methods (Bayley-Pinneau, Roche-Wainer-Thissen, Tanner Mark II).
- Final adult height was compared to initial predictions to determine treatment efficacy.
Main Results:
- Oxandrolone significantly increased height velocity and accelerated bone maturation (bone age/chronological age ratio) in both boys and girls.
- Height predictions showed some short-term increases, but these did not translate to significant changes in final adult height compared to controls.
- No significant difference was observed in final adult height between oxandrolone-treated groups and the control group.
Conclusions:
- One year of oxandrolone treatment does not impact final adult height in children with constitutionally delayed growth.
- Despite no effect on final height, oxandrolone may offer benefits by increasing height velocity and potentially improving psychological well-being in short children.