Recreational Anabolic-Androgenic Steroid Use Associated With Liver Injuries Among Brazilian Young Men

Background: The recreational use of anabolic-androgenic steroids (AAS) has reached alarming levels among healthy people. However, several complications have been related to consumption of these drugs, including liver disorders. Objective: To evaluate the prevalence of liver injuries in young Brazilian recreational AAS users. Methods: Between February/2007 and May/2012 asymptomatic bodybuilders who were ≥18 years old and reported AAS use for ≥6 months were enrolled. All had clinical evaluations, abdominal ultrasound (AUS), and blood tests. Results: 182 individuals were included in the study. The median age (interquartile range) was 26.0 years (22.0–30.0) and all were male. Elevated liver enzyme levels were observed in 38.5% (n = 70) of AAS users, and creatine phosphokinase was normal in 27.1% (n = 19) of them. Hepatic steatosis was observed by AUS in 12.1% of the sample. One individual had focal nodular hyperplasia and another had hepatocellular adenoma. One case each of hepatitis B and C virus infection w...