Disease progression rates in ambulatory Duchenne muscular dystrophy by steroid type, patient age and functional status

AIMS: To examine benefits of corticosteroids for Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD) by age and disease progression. METHODS: Data from daily steroid users (placebo-treated) were pooled from four phase 2b/3 trials in DMD. Outcomes assessed overall and among subgroups included changes from baseline to 48 weeks in six-minute walk distance (6MWD), timed function tests and North Star Ambulatory Assessment total score. RESULTS: Among 231 patients receiving deflazacort (n = 127) or prednisone (n = 104), observed differences in 6MWD favoring deflazacort over prednisone were significant for patients with relatively older age (≥8-years-old), greater disease progression (baseline timed stand from supine ≥5 s), or longer corticosteroid use (>3 years). CONCLUSION: Daily deflazacort had greater benefits than daily prednisone particularly among older/more progressed patients.