Use of corticosteroids in a population-based cohort of boys with duchenne and becker muscular dystrophy.
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.
Matthews
Dennis J
DJ
Department of Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation, University of Colorado School of Medicine and The Children's Hospital, Denver, CO 80045, USA. matthews.dennis@tchden.org
James
Katherine A
KA
Miller
Lisa A
LA
Pandya
Shree
S
Campbell
Kimberly A
KA
Ciafaloni
Emma
E
Mathews
Katherine D
KD
Miller
Timothy M
TM
Cunniff
Christopher
C
Meaney
F John
FJ
Druschel
Charlotte M
CM
Romitti
Paul A
PA
Fox
Deborah J
DJ
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
D000305:Adrenal Cortex Hormones