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Randomized controlled trial of testosterone in myotonic dystrophy

Griggs RC, Pandya S, Florence JM, Brooke MH, Kingston W, Miller JP, Chutkow J, Herr BE et al.

Neurology, 1989

40 participants

Abstract

Because testosterone has an anabolic effect in myotonic dystrophy, we conducted a 12-month, randomized, double-blind therapeutic trial of testosterone enanthate (3 mg/kg/wk) in 40 men with myotonic dystrophy. We evaluated strength by manual muscle tests, quantitative myometry, pulmonary function, and quantitative functional assessment. A sustained, significant elevation of testosterone levels was produced but there was no effect on any measurement of muscle strength. Muscle mass as estimated by creatinine excretion and lean body mass (40K method) increased significantly. We conclude that testosterone does not improve strength in myotonic dystrophy despite increasing muscle mass.

How strong is the evidence?

Evidence Hub reads this as a randomized trial, done in people. Its evidence level is 2 of 5 (High · randomized trial). Randomized trials of a reasonable size are the strongest single-study design. Reported size: 40 participants or records.

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