Use of oxandrolone in controlling metabolic imbalance in patients with second and third-degree burns: integrative literature review

Abstract

Severe burns, affecting more than 20% of the body surface with second- and third-degree injuries, cause profound impacts on the body, triggering both local and systemic responses such as hypermetabolism, loss of lean muscle mass, and increased risk of infections. After overcoming the acute phase, these patients face prolonged challenges related to metabolism and wound healing, making the search for effective treatments essential. In this context, oxandrolone, a synthetic analogue of testosterone, has gained attention due to its anabolic properties and lower toxicity, being used to preserve muscle mass and optimize metabolism in severely burned patients. The objective of this study was to evaluate the effects of oxandrolone in the treatment of severe burns in adult patients, analyzing the metabolic benefits of the drug and its risk-benefit ratio. The methodology consisted of an integrative literature review, searching for articles in the PubMed, SCIELO, and Lilacs databases, using specific descriptors and selecting studies published between 2014 and 2024. A total of 45 articles were identified, of which 09 were included in the final review. The results showed that oxandrolone improves protein balance, metabolic rate, helps preserve lean mass and increase muscle tissue, and reduces the risk of sepsis in patients with severe burns. Despite some hepatic side effects, such as elevated enzyme levels, these were transient and mild. Thus, it is concluded that oxandrolone offers significant benefits in the treatment of severe burns, provided that its use is properly monitored.