AMELIORATION OF HYPERCALCIURIA FOLLOWING POLIOMYELITIS BY 17-ETHYL,19-NORTESTOSTERONE (NILEVAR)*

Abstract

The effects of 17-ethyl, 19-nortestosterone (Nilevar) on calcium, phosphorus and steroid metabolism were studied in 9 extensively paralyzed patients convalescing from anterior poliomyelitis. Nilevar was given orally in daily dosages approximating 1 mg. per Kg. of body weight. There was a mean reduction in urinary calcium excretion of 45.4 per cent and a mean reduction in urinary phosphorus excretion of 26.2 per cent during treatment. Fecal calcium and phosphorus excretion (measured in 3 subjects) as well as urinary creatinine and 17-hydroxycorticosteroid excretion showed no sustained, significant change. In 2 patients, mild cholestatic jaundice, developed, which cleared promptly when Nilevar was withdrawn; other sideeffects of the drug, when present, were minimal.