Baseline characteristics of the HAARLEM study : 100 male amateur athletes using anabolic androgenic steroids
Deutscher übersetzter Titel: | Ausgangsmerkmale der HAARLEM-Studie : 100 männliche Amateursportler, die anabole androgene Steroide verwenden |
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Autor: | Smit, Diederik L.; Hon, Olivier de; Venhuis, Bastiaan J.; Heijer, Martin den; Ronde, Willem de |
Erschienen in: | Scandinavian journal of medicine & science in sports |
Veröffentlicht: | 30 (2020), 3, S. 531-539, Lit. |
Format: | Literatur (SPOLIT) |
Publikationstyp: | Zeitschriftenartikel |
Medienart: | Elektronische Ressource (online) Gedruckte Ressource |
Sprache: | Englisch |
ISSN: | 0905-7188, 1600-0838 |
DOI: | 10.1111/sms.13592 |
Schlagworte: | |
Online Zugang: | |
Erfassungsnummer: | PU202004002294 |
Quelle: | BISp |
Abstract des Autors
Background: The use of anabolic androgenic steroids (AAS) is common among visitors of fitness centers. Knowledge about health risks of AAS use is limited due to lack of clinical studies.
Methods: One hundred men, at least 18 years old, intending to start a cycle of AAS were recruited. Baseline demographical data and reasons for AAS use were recorded. Subjects provided samples of AAS for analysis with UPLC-QTOF-MS/MS.
Results: One hundred and eleven men were seen for a baseline visit. Nineteen percent had competed in bodybuilding competitions. Recent illicit drug use was reported by 56%. Seventy-seven percent of participants had used AAS in the past, and 97% of them had experienced side effects. After exclusion, 100 men comprised the cohort for follow-up. The AAS cycle performed had a median duration of 13 weeks (range 2-52), and the average dose of AAS equivalents was 901 mg per week (range 250-3.382). Subjects used other performance and image-enhancing drugs (PIEDs) such as growth hormone (21%). In total, 272 AAS samples were analyzed and 47% contained the AAS indicated on the label. The principal reason for AAS use was gain of muscle mass (44%). Forty-eight percent self-reported to being addicted to AAS.
Conclusion: The HAARLEM study cohort shows that strength athletes use AAS in a wide variety of cycles and often also use illicit drugs and other potentially harmful PIEDs. The quality of the AAS used is strikingly low. Follow-up of the cohort will provide novel data regarding health risks of AAS use.