When it comes to treating Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy (DMD), corticosteroids can be considered as a first-line therapy according to a new practice guideline published in the Neurology, the scientific journal of the American Academy of Neurology. The study also suggested that patients suffering from DMD can experience considerable relief with administration of corticosteroids.
Two corticosteroids, prednisone and deflazacort, having unique ability to slowdown the rate of muscle deterioration leading to minimized effects of DMD were recommended as potential treatment methodologies.
It was remarked by Richard T. Moxley III, MD, of the University of Rochester in Rochester, N.Y. and lead author, that corticosteroids are the only effective drugs for providing improvements in children with DMD.
From News.Bio-Medicine.Org:
The guideline authors reviewed all available research for the use of corticosteroids in the treatment of Duchenne muscular dystrophy. Corticosteroids are man-made drugs that are similar to the body’s hormone cortisone. Two corticosteroids, prednisone and deflazacort, were found to slow the rate of muscle deterioration, and are recommended as potential treatments to minimize the effect of Duchenne muscular dystrophy.
Prednisone was found to help muscle strength and function and should be offered as a treatment option. Deflazacort, a drug similar to prednisone, is also recommended as a treatment option but is not available in the United States at this time.
“Corticosteroids are the only effective drugs in providing improvements in children with Duchenne muscular dystrophy,” said lead author Richard T. Moxley III, MD, of the University of Rochester in Rochester, N.Y.
The study, however, also suggested that pros and cons of steroid treatment must be evaluated on a careful basis so that complete benefits and great benefits can be obtained.
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