664 Risk Factors for the Development of Transaminitis in Pediatric Burn Patients Treated with Oxandrolone

Abstract

Abstract Introduction Oxandrolone is an anabolic steroid that is the standard of care for burn patients experiencing hypermetabolism. Previous studies have demonstrated the benefits of oxandrolone, including increased body mass and improved wound healing. One of the common side effects of oxandrolone is transaminitis, occurring in 5–15% of patients, but little is known about associated risk factors with the development of transaminitis. A recent multicenter study in adults found that younger age and those receiving concurrent intravenous vasopressors or amiodarone were more likely to develop transaminitis while on oxandrolone. The purpose of this study was to determine the incidence and identify risk factors for the development of transaminitis in pediatric burn patients receiving oxandrolone therapy. Methods This was a multicenter, retrospective risk factor analysis that included pediatric patients with thermal burn injury (total body surface area [TBSA] > 10%) who received oxandrolone over a 5-year time period. The primary outcome of the study was the development of transaminitis while on oxandrolone therapy, which was defined as aspartate aminotransferase (AST) or alanine aminotransferase (ALT) >100 mg/dL. Secondary outcomes included mortality, length of stay, and change from baseline ALT/AST. Results A total of 55 pediatric patients from 5 burn centers met inclusion criteria. Of those, 13 (23.6%) developed transaminitis, and the mean time to development of transaminitis was 17 days. Patients who developed transaminitis were older (12 vs 6.4 years, p = 0.01) and had a larger mean %TBSA (45.9 vs 34.1, p = 0.03). The odds of developing transaminitis increased by 23% for each 1 year increase in age (OR 1.23, CI 1.06–1.44). The use of other concurrent medications was not associated with an increased risk of developing transaminitis. Renal function and hepatic function was not associated with the development of transaminitis. There was no significant difference in length of stay and mortality. Conclusions Transaminitis occurred in 23.6% of our study population and was associated with patients who were older and had a larger mean %TBSA burn. Older pediatric patients with larger burns who are receiving oxandrolone should be closely monitored for the development of transaminitis. Applicability of Research to Practice Future research is needed to identify appropriate monitoring and management of transaminitis in oxandrolone-treated pediatric burn patients.