University Network

There is nothing better and reliable than corticosteroids that are recommended as a first-line therapy for DMD, according to a finding that was presented in a new practice guideline published in the Neurology, the scientific journal of the American Academy of Neurology.

It was remarked by Richard T. Moxley III, MD, of the University of Rochester in Rochester, N.Y. and lead author, that corticosteroids can be the only effective drugs when it comes to offering relief to 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.

Two corticosteroids, prednisone and deflazacort, were found to be exemplary and recommended as potential forms of treatment with the ability to slowing down the rate of muscle deterioration leading to reduced effects of DMD.

Category: Anabolic Steroids | Tags: children with DMD, corticosteroids, DMD, Duchenne muscular dystrophy, muscle deterioration