Abstract
A randomized double-blind controlled trial of deflazacort was conducted in 28 Duchenne muscular dystrophy patients either treated with deflazacort 2.0 mg/kg alternate-day therapy or placebo. The deflazacort group showed significant improvement in climbing stairs (P <0.01), in rising from a chair, Gower's maneuver, and walking (P <0.0025) after 6 months of treatment. After 1 year, all the above changes remained significantly improved and the MRC index was significantly better (P <0.05) in the treated group. After 2 years, a significant change was found in the MRC index: higher scores in walking, chair rising (P <0.02), and grade and time of Gower's maneuver (P <0.05) were found. The mean time for loss of ambulation for the treated group after we started the trial was 20.5 ± 11 months; for the placebo group it was 33.2 ± 9 months (placebo vs. deflazacort group, P <0.05). Our treated patients lost their ambulation at a median age of 11.8 years vs. 10.5 years in the placebo group. Side effects were mild, consisting of moderate weight gain and slight behavioral changes.
Original language | English |
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Pages (from-to) | 386-391 |
Number of pages | 6 |
Journal | Muscle and Nerve |
Volume | 17 |
Issue number | 4 |
Publication status | Published - 1994 |
Keywords
- Duchenne dystrophy
- steroid
- trial
ASJC Scopus subject areas
- Clinical Neurology
- Neuroscience(all)