Glucocorticoid corticosteroids for Duchenne muscular dystrophy

Background Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD) is the most common muscular dystrophy of childhood. This incurable disease is characterised by muscle wasting and loss of walking ability leading to complete wheelchair dependence by 13 years of age. Prolongation of walking is one of the major aims of treatment. Objectives The aim of this review was to assess whether glucocorticoid corticosteroids stabilize or improve muscle strength and walking in boys with DMD. Search methods This is an update of the Cochrane systematic review first published in 2004 (Manzur 2004). We searched the Cochrane Neuromuscular Disease Group Trials Register (August 2006) using the term 'Duchenne muscular dystrophy'. We also searched MEDLINE (January 1966 to July 2007), EMBASE (January 1980 to August 2006), CINAHL and LILACS (January 1982 to August 2006). We wrote to authors of published studies and other experts in this disease to help identify other trials, checked the references in the identified trials and hand searched the abstracts of relevant journals. Selection criteria Types of studies: randomised or quasi‐randomised trials. Types of participants: all patients with a definite diagnosis of Duchenne muscular dystrophy. Types of interventions: glucocorticoids such as prednisone, prednisolone, deflazacort or others, with a minimum treatment period of three months. Primary outcome measure: prolongation of walking (independent walking without long leg calipers). Secondary outcome measures: strength outcome measures, manual muscle strength testing using Medical Research Council strength scores, functional outcome measures and adverse events. Data collection and analysis We identified six randomised controlled trials that met the inclusion criteria for our review, and one of these (Beenakker 2005) is a new addition to this update, as it was published subsequent to our first review (Manzur 2004). Two review authors independently selected the trials for the review and assessed methodological quality. Data extraction and inputting were double‐checked. Main results Primary outcome measure: data from one small study used prolongation of walking as an outcome measure and did not show significant benefit. Secondary outcome measures: The meta‐analysis of the results from four randomised controlled trials with altogether 249 participants showed that glucocorticoid corticosteroids improved muscle strength and function over six months. Improvements were seen in time taken to rise from the floor (Gowers' time), nine metres walking time, four‐stair climbing time, ability to lift weights, leg function grade and forced vital capacity. One randomised controlled trial with altogether 28 participants showed that glucocorticoid corticosteroids stabilize muscle strength and function for up to two years. The most effective prednisolone regime appears to be 0.75 mg/kg/day, given in a daily dose regime. Not enough data were available to compare efficacy of prednisone with deflazacort. Adverse effects: Excessive weight gain, behavioural abnormalities, cushingoid appearance and excessive hair growth were all more common with glucocorticoid corticosteroids than placebo. Long‐term adverse effects of glucocorticoid therapy could not be evaluated because of the short‐term duration of the randomised studies. Non‐randomised studies: A number of non‐randomised studies with important efficacy and adverse effects data are tabulated and discussed. Authors' conclusions There is evidence from randomised controlled studies that glucocorticoid corticosteroid therapy in Duchenne muscular dystrophy improves muscle strength and function in the short‐term (six months to two years). The most effective prednisolone regime appears to be 0.75 mg/kg/day, given daily. In the short term, adverse effects were significantly more common but not clinically severe. Long‐term benefits and hazards of glucocorticoid treatment cannot be evaluated from the currently published randomised studies. Non‐randomised studies support the conclusions of functional benefits but also identify clinically significant adverse effects of long‐term treatment. These benefits and adverse effects have implications for future research studies and clinical practice.