Role of anabolic testosterone agents and structured exercise to promote recovery in ICU survivors.

ABSTRACT:

Purpose of review

ICU survivors frequently suffer significant, prolonged physical disability. 'ICU Survivorship', or addressing quality-of-life impairments post-ICU care, is a defining challenge, and existing standards of care fail to successfully address these disabilities. We suggest addressing persistent catabolism by treatment with testosterone analogues combined with structured exercise is a promising novel intervention to improve 'ICU Survivorship'.

Recent findings

One explanation for lack of success in addressing post-ICU physical disability is most ICU patients exhibit severe testosterone deficiencies early in ICU that drives persistent catabolism despite rehabilitation efforts. Oxandrolone is an FDA-approved testosterone analogue for treating muscle weakness in ICU

SUBMITTER: Wischmeyer PE 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC8367823 | biostudies-literature | 2020 Oct

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature