The efficacy of oxymetholone in combination with erythropoietin on hematologic
parameters and muscle mass in CAPD patients.
Author(s): Aramwit P, Palapinyo S, Wiwatniwong S, Supasyndh O.
Affiliation(s): Department of Pharmacy Practice, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences,
Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok, Thailand. aramwit@gmail.com
Publication date & source: 2010, Int J Clin Pharmacol Ther. , 48(12):803-13
OBJECTIVES: To determine the efficacy of oxymetholone, an androgenic steroid, in
combination with rHuEPO on hematologic and muscle mass in CAPD patients.
METHODS: A double-blinded, placebo-controlled experimental study was conducted
for 6 months and 24 CAPD patients were divided into two groups. The treatment
group (n = 11) received rHuEPO plus oral oxymetholone (50 mg/tablet twice daily).
The placebo group (n = 13) received rHuEPO plus a placebo twice daily. The
evolution of the patients' hematologic parameters and the impact of the drugs on
their muscle mass were evaluated.
RESULTS: After 6 months of therapy, hematocrit and hemoglobin values of the
treatment group were significantly different from those of the placebo group
(38.1 ± 1.0% and 32.8 ± 0.9%, p = 0.001; 12.9 ± 0.3 g/dl and 11.0 ± 0.3 g/dl, p =
0.001 for hematocrit and hemoglobin, respectively). The increase in hematocrit
and hemoglobin values observed in treatment group was statistically greater than
those of the placebo group (p < 0.01). After 6 months, none of anthropometric
parameters, albumin, protein or lean body mass levels, were significantly
different from baseline in the placebo group. Conversely, most of the
anthropometric parameters, albumin and lean body mass levels were significantly
increased in the oxymetholone group (p < 0.05). The mean weight of subjects in
the oxymetholone group changed from 63.82 ± 2.71 to 67.02 ± 3.26 kg (p = 0.001).
The subjective global assessment score for 7 patients in the treatment group
(63.6%) changed in a positive manner. A rise in liver enzymes was the main side
effect observed in the treatment group.
CONCLUSIONS: Oxymetholone significantly enhances the erythropoietic effects of
rHuEPO and improves the nutritional status of CAPD patients. However, significant
increases in liver enzymes need to be monitored closely.
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