The Canadian experience with long-term deflazacort treatment in Duchenne muscular dystrophy.
Deflazacort is the most commonly prescribed corticosteroid for the treatment of Duchenne muscular dystrophy in Canada. We review the long-term experience with deflazacort treatment at two centers in Canada; Montreal and Toronto. Deflazacort has benefitted both cohorts by prolonged ambulation, preserved cardiac and respiratory function, less scoliosis and improved survival. Common side effects in both cohorts include weight gain, decreased height and cataract formation. The Canadian experience supports the use of deflazacort in treating boys with Duchenne muscular dystrophy.
Holland Bloorview Kids Rehabilitation Hospital, Toronto, Ontario, Canada. lmcadam@hollandbloorview.ca
Laura C
LC
McAdam
Amanda L
AL
Mayo
Benjamin A
BA
Alman
W Douglas
WD
Biggar
D000293:Adolescent; D000305:Adrenal Cortex Hormones / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D001827:Body Height / Q000187:drug effects; D015519:Bone Density / Q000187:drug effects; D002170:Canada; D002386:Cataract / Q000139:chemically induced; D002648:Child; D050723:Fractures, Bone / Q000139:chemically induced; D006801:Humans; D007166:Immunosuppressive Agents / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D008297:Male; D053580:Muscle Strength / Q000502:physiology; D020388:Muscular Dystrophy, Duchenne / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000503:physiopathology; D011282:Pregnenediones / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D013124:Spinal Injuries / Q000139:chemically induced; D013131:Spine / Q000473:pathology; D016138:Walking / Q000502:physiology; D015430:Weight Gain
D000305:Adrenal Cortex Hormones; D007166:Immunosuppressive Agents; D011282:Pregnenediones; C021988:deflazacort