EXPERIMENTAL USE OF TESTOSTERONE COMPOUNDS IN PREMATURE INFANTS

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Abstract
Premature infants weighing below 2000 gs. born in or admitted to the Los Angeles General Hospital over a period of several mos. were studied. Approx. 1/3 of this group were given testosterone propionate intragluteally, 1/3 were given methyl testosterone by mouth, and 1/3 were untreated and used as controls. A distinct shortening of the time required to regain the birth wt. and to gain to 2500 gs. was noted in both groups receiving treatment. Four sets of twins were included in the study and in each instance the sibling on testosterone showed increase in somatic development over that of the control. No contra-indications to the use of testosterone compounds were observed. The authors conclude that testosterone compounds are useful in the treatment of premature infants needing metabolic stimulation.