Effect of nandrolone in underweight COPD patients following pulmonary rehabilitation

Abstract

Introduction: Underweight in patients with Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) is associated with increased morbidity and mortality. Inconsistent results are published on the effects of anabolic steroids on exercise capacity, symptoms and quality of life. Aims and objectives: We aimed to investigate the effect of nandrolone on weight, exercise capacity and health status in underweight COPD patients following a 9 week pulmonary rehabilitation (PR) program. Methods: a retrospective cohort study. 38 COPD patients with a Body Mass Index (BMI) lower than 21 were included in the study. 16 patients received weekly nandrolone injections for 6 weeks (male 50mg, female 25mg) on clinical grounds. The PR program took place in 2013 and 2014. Patients received strength and/or endurance training during 9 weeks. 34 patients received hyper caloric feeding. Results:. For the whole group weight, the Clinical COPD Questionnaire (CCQ) and the COPD Assessment Test (CAT) significantly improved (mean change: 3,6 ±4,4 kg, -0,5±1,1 en -5,7±7,9, p 1 (% pred) and ESWT at the start of the PR program. These patients had significant more weight gain (5.7 ±4,9 kg) compared to the control group (2.4 ±3,6 kg, p=0.029). Only the group without nandrolone had significant improvements in CCQ and CAT. Conclusion: In COPD patients with underweight, PR has been shown effective. The use of nandrolone increases weight but does not improve exercise capacity or health status.