title: Use of corticosteroids in a population-based cohort of boys with duchenne and becker muscular dystrophy.
abstract: The use of corticosteroids for treatment of Duchenne and Becker muscular dystrophy in clinical practice from 1991 through 2005 was reviewed in a large population-based cohort (MD STARnet) of boys in 4 regional sites and 6 clinics of the United States. Corticosteroid use increased from 20% (11 of 56 individuals) in 1991 to 44% (93 of 218 individuals) in 2005. Average use varied by site and ranged from 15% to 49%. The median age of corticosteroid initiation was 6.9 years (range, 3.7-17.4 years). Dosage and growth information was available for 102 participants and showed a median dose as 0.729 mg/kg for prednisone and 0.831 mg/kg for deflazacort. T. The most common reasons that corticosteroids were discontinued included weight gain, behavioral side effects, and loss of ambulation, resulting in full-time wheelchair use. Substantial variations in clinical practice were identified among study sites.
authors.affiliation: Department of Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation, University of Colorado School of Medicine and The Children's Hospital, Denver, CO 80045, USA. matthews.dennis@tchden.org
authors.forename: Dennis J
authors.initials: DJ
authors.lastname: Matthews
authors.forename: Katherine A
authors.initials: KA
authors.lastname: James
authors.forename: Lisa A
authors.initials: LA
authors.lastname: Miller
authors.forename: Shree
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Pandya
authors.forename: Kimberly A
authors.initials: KA
authors.lastname: Campbell
authors.forename: Emma
authors.initials: E
authors.lastname: Ciafaloni
authors.forename: Katherine D
authors.initials: KD
authors.lastname: Mathews
authors.forename: Timothy M
authors.initials: TM
authors.lastname: Miller
authors.forename: Christopher
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Cunniff
authors.forename: F John
authors.initials: FJ
authors.lastname: Meaney
authors.forename: Charlotte M
authors.initials: CM
authors.lastname: Druschel
authors.forename: Paul A
authors.initials: PA
authors.lastname: Romitti
authors.forename: Deborah J
authors.initials: DJ
authors.lastname: Fox
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D000305:Adrenal Cortex Hormones / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D002648:Child; D002675:Child, Preschool; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D020388:Muscular Dystrophy, Duchenne / Q000188:drug therapy*; D014481:United States; D015430:Weight Gain / Q000187:drug effects
chemical_list: D000305:Adrenal Cortex Hormones