Anabolic steroid administration during nutritional support: a therapeutic controversy.

Nitrogen balance was determined in 48 patients who were entered into a randomized prospective double-blind study, comparing anabolic steroids versus placebo in our parenteral nutritional support system. The group included both young and old patients suffering from catabolic illnesses, in whom intravenous feeding ranged from 14-21 days. All participants received the active agent or placebo biweekly throughout the study. During the period of intravenous nutrition, there was statistically significant difference in nitrogen balance and protein conservation in the patients receiving the active agent.