Prospective, Longitudinal Study on FItness DOping in DenmarK (FIDO-DK/RH)

Caroline Michaela Kistorp

Status

Enrolling

Conditions

Fitness

Infertility

Anabolic Steroid Overdose

Cardiovascular Complication

Mental Health Issue

Illicit Drug Use

Treatments

Other: No intervention

Study type

Observational

Funder types

Other

Identifiers

NCT05599438

H-21035759

Details and patient eligibility

About

The aim of this prospective longitudinal study is to investigate the risks associated with use of anabolic steroids in fitness circles in Denmark in order to assess the scope of therapeutic need existing as a consequence of use. The objectives are:

To assess long-term complications and outcomes related to: cardiovascular disease, diabetes, gonadal disease (women and men) and psychiatric disease using data from Danish registries including addressing central questions such as whether the following characteristics play a role for development of overt disease
Characterization of illicit AAS use among men and women
Current male reproductive health
Current psychological well-being, aggressive tendencies, cognitive function and quality of life
Current cardiovascular and metabolic status

The participants will undergo:

Semi-structured medical interview
Physical examinations
Questionnaires
Blood and urine sampling
Dual X-ray Absorptiometry

With a subset undergoing further testing, including semen analysis, gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) and human chorionic gonadotropinm (hCG) stimulation and 82Rubidium positron emission tomography and computer tomography (PET/CT).

The study will include 800 participants with current or former AAS use and 100 participants (80 male; 20 female) as controls with no former or current use of AAS.

Full description

Anabolic steroids (AAS) are synthetic derivates of the male sexhormone testosterone. The use of AAS is a growing phenomenon and have extended beyond the elite performance and body builder communities, involving a broader populace. The continued use causes a long-term impairment of testicular function, with symptoms of including impotence, depression, infertility and an increased risk of cardiovascular disease. AAS use is a clinical challenge as many psychological symptoms worsen in case of cessation of use. As AAS is often used by young individuals, the fulminant disease is rarely found by incidental screening. To assess long-term consequences, a large cohort is in need to be studied to accurately identify the risk of disease and when to initiate treatment. Furthermore, despite the use of AAS in women is present, the scientific community has thus far not taken notice, and the consequences are unknown, but are presumed to - beyond the changes in physical appearance - to include changes in fertility, risk of type 2 diabetes and cardiovascular disease. As AAS is acquired illicitly, the knowledge on the consequences of AAS use is sparse. No international or national consensus or recommendations exist as to the how to stop AAS use, screening of disease or therapeutic option in case of manifestations of symptoms or fulminant disease. The aim of the current study is to elucidate on the consequences of use of AAS in fitness circles in Denmark to assess the scope of therapeutic need.

Enrollment

900 estimated patients

Sex

All

Ages

18+ years old

Volunteers

Accepts Healthy Volunteers

Inclusion criteria

Male and female recreational athletes (≥18 years of age) with current or former illicit use (>3 months since AAS cessation) of PIEDs (e.g. AAS) for a minimum four weeks

Inclusion Criteria (Controls, n = 100):