Effects of Androgen Administration in Men With the AIDS Wasting Syndrome: A Randomized, Double-blind, Placebo-Controlled Trial

Background: Development of successful anabolic strategies to reverse the loss of lean body mass is of critical importance to increase survival in men with the AIDS wasting syndrome. Hypogonadism, an acquired endocrine deficiency state characterized by loss of testosterone, occurs in more than half of all men with advanced HIV disease. It is unknown whether testosterone deficiency contributes to the profound catabolic state and loss of lean body mass associated with the AIDS wasting syndrome.

Objective: To investigate the effects of physiologic testosterone administration on body composition, exercise functional capacity, and quality of life in androgen-deficient men with the AIDS wasting syndrome.

Design: Randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study.

Setting: University medical center.

Patients: 51 HIV-positive men (age 42±8 years) with wasting (body weight <90% of ideal body . . . [Full Text of this Article]