Growth hormone and oxandrolone in burned children

Children with large burns exhibit a hypermetabolic state, often resulting in bone loss and growth velocity impairment. The hypothesis that anabolic drugs may counteract bone loss is based on observations made from using these drugs in conditions of short stature such as Turner's syndrome. Two anabolic agents that have been used successfully in these settings are exogenous human growth hormone and oxandrolone, a testosterone analogue. In this chapter, we review the literature that demonstrates that the administration of these two drugs in burned children is both safe and efficacious in improving post-burn bone health outcomes. The systemic action of these anabolic agents beyond the bone metabolic system has also been explored in the clinical trials described. However, only bone-related markers are discussed in detail in this chapter.