This study is designed to determine whether the use of oxandrolone, an anabolic steroid, can
heal pressure ulcers in persons with spinal cord injury (SCI). In a Feasibility Study, three
VA SCI Units will screen and randomize patients into treatment with oxandrolone or with
placebo. Eleven other sites will screen patients to determine eligibility but will not treat
patients with the agent. Following the Feasibility Study, all sites will participate in a
blinded, randomized treatment study. A total of 400 patients will be enrolled over a
four-year period. Any patient in a participating unit who has chronic SCI and a
difficult-to-heal pelvic ulcer will be eligible for the study if other entry criteria are
met. All enrolled patients will be followed for a period of 24 weeks to determine whether
their target pressure ulcers heal. Those who are healed will be followed for an additional
four weeks to determine whether the ulcer remains healed.
Phase:
Phase 3
Details
Lead Sponsor:
US Department of Veterans Affairs VA Office of Research and Development