[Estimated consumption of anabolic steroids among athletes in Denmark]. / Skønsmessigt forbrug af anabole steroider blandt idraetsfolk in Danmark.

In an attempt to ascertain the types and quantities of anabolic steroids used by athletes in Denmark, a questionnaire was distributed at nine weight-training centres during the winter of 1986-1987. By comparing the results of the non-representative questionnaire study with the overall consumption of anabolic steroids in the country as a whole, the annual consumption was estimated to be the equivalent of at least 6,500 10-week courses of anabolic steroids at daily dosages eight times the recommended therapeutic level. In addition, the not inconsiderable illegal use of anabolic steroids seems to increase. The annual consumption of anabolic steroids by athletes in Denmark is estimated to be 2 million daily doses.

[Drug abuse in body builders. A questionnaire study]. / Medicinmisbrug blandt bodybuildere. En spørgeskemaundersøgelse.

A questionnaire about the use of anabolic steroids (AS) was distributed in weight-training and sports centre's and was completed by 157 persons. In the group of 138 men, 85 had employed AS but only 60% had employed preparations registered in Denmark. In the group who consumed AS in connection with intensive training periods, average weights and heights were found lower at the commencement of the training and greater increase in weight in connection with training. In the group who consumed AS, participation in competitive sports was greater and higher protein supplements and more supplementary medicine were observed. The average maximal 24 hour dosage of AS was ten times greater than that recommended therapeutically and this dosage was consumed during approximately 1/3 of the year. Side-effects were such that 25% of the men consulted their doctors. Less than half of the consumers of AS had sought information about the effects and side-effects and only 40% had consulted their own general practitioners which suggests a considerable illegal market. An important aspect of the prophylactic activity appears to be information about the injurious effects of AS consumption which appears to be widespread in Denmark together with intensive muscular training.

A quantitative Allen's test.

Allen's test has been performed quantitatively by measuring digital systolic pressure during compression of the radial or ulnar artery at the wrist. The reduction of pressure in normal subjects was less than 25 per cent. Insufficiency of the arterial supply to the hand from the radial artery, the ulnar artery or the palmar arcades can easily be diagnosed from an abnormal reduction in digital systolic pressure during arterial compression.