A Case of Long Term Periodic Corticosteroid Treatment in Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy |
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Abstract |
Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD) is characterized by a predictable decline in skeletal muscle strength leading to loss of ambulation, respiratory failure, and death in the second and third decade of life. No cure is yet available, but nowadays the oral corticosteroid has become a standard care, although there is a lack of consensus on the optimal treatment regimen. However, oral corticosteroid therapy has not yet popularly offered to DMD patients due to its possible negative effects in our country. Therefore, we want to report our case of DMD with long term periodic deflazacort therapy, which led to improvement in muscle strength without any serious side effects to stop the medication. After the therapy, he showed improvement in functional status from wheelchair-bounded to independent ambulator with walking aid, and didn’t show aggravation in scoliosis and respiratory function. Osteoporosis was developed after one year of treatment, but it was effectively managed with medications. |
Key Words:
Duchenne muscular dystrophy, Myopathy, Deflazacort |
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