Use of corticosteroids in a population-based cohort of boys with duchenne and becker muscular dystrophy

Dennis J. Matthews, Katherine A. James, Lisa A. Miller, Shree Pandya, Kimberly A. Campbell, Emma Ciafaloni, Katherine D. Mathews, Timothy M. Miller, Christopher Cunniff, F. John Meaney, Charlotte M. Druschel, Paul A. Romitti, Deborah J. Fox

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

41 Scopus citations

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.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Pages (from-to)1319-1324
Number of pages6
JournalJournal of Child Neurology
Volume25
Issue number11
DOIs
StatePublished - Nov 2010

Keywords

  • Becker muscular dystrophy
  • Duchenne muscular dystrophy
  • corticosteroids
  • population-based studies

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Pediatrics, Perinatology, and Child Health
  • Clinical Neurology

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