Monitoring Patients
In our cohort, we routinely measure:
A full blood count – to detect polycythaemia
A renal profile – to detect early strain on the renal system or early CKD
Liver function tests – to detect early liver inflammation or liver damage
Thyroid function tests – if patients have used thyroid hormones in abuse
A lipid panel – to ascertain if lipid dysfunction is occurring with use. Particularly suppressed LDL
An ECG – to monitor for cardiac hypertrophy changes
We recommend these are done a minimum of 6 monthly. Ideally 3 monthly in very high risk users, eg, those not taking a break from use or having high risk behaviour, multiple IPEDS, especially multiple forms or AAS
All patients with ECG changes should be referred for echocardiography or cardiology assessment