Comparison of deflazacort and prednisone in Duchenne muscular dystrophy

Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD) is a degenerative disease that usually
becomes clinically detectable in childhood as progressive proximal weakness.
No cure is yet available for DMD, but the use of steroids improves muscle
strength and function. This study has been carried out to select the best steroid
for the management of DMD.
Materials & Methods
This study is a single-blind, randomized clinical trial with a sample volume of
34 DMD patients. Half of these patients were treated with deflazacort (0.9 mg/
kg daily) and the other half with prednisone (0.75 mg/kg daily) for a period of
18 months. The motor function score and excess body weight were registered
one year after the start and also at the end of the study and compared between
the two groups.
Results
Deflazacort was more effective in the improvement of motor function after one
year, but there was no significant difference between the two drugs at the end
of the study (18 months after start). Weight gain after one year and at the end of
the study was higher in prednisone group and steroid treatment with deflazacort
appears to cause fewer side effects than prednisone regarding weight gain.
Conclusion
Deflazacort seems to be more effective than prednisone in the improvement
of motor function causing fewer side effects, particularly weight gain. This
medication may be important for the improvement of motor function and could
be used as the best steroidal treatment for Duchenne muscular dystrophy.