Conclusions Examining individual studies it appears that DFZ improves strength and functional outcomes compared to placebo , but it remains unclear if it has a benefit over prednisone on similar outcomes .
Two trials found that DFZ causes less weight gain than prednisone
Background To complete a systematic review and meta- analysis based on the clinical question : Is Deflazacort ( DFZ ) , a prednisolone derivative , an effective therapy for improving strength , with acceptable side effects , in children with Duchenne Dystrophy ( DD ) ?
Deflazacort in Duchenne dystrophy: study of long-term effect.
A r and omized double-blind controlled trial of deflazacort was conducted in 28 Duchenne muscular dystrophy patients either treated with deflazacort 2.0 mg/kg alternate-day therapy or placebo .  The deflazacort group showed significant improvement in climbing stairs ( P < 0.01 ) , in rising from a chair , Gower 's maneuver , and walking ( P < 0.0025 ) after 6 months of treatment . After 1 year , all the above changes remained significantly improved and the MRC index was significantly better ( P < 0.05 ) in the treated group . After 2 years , a significant change was found in the MRC index : higher scores in walking , chair rising ( P < 0.02 ) , and grade and time of Gower 's maneuver ( P < 0.05 ) were found . The mean time for loss of ambulation for the treated group after we started the trial was 33.2 + /- 9 months ; for the placebo group it was 20.5 + /- 11 months ( deflazacort vs. placebo group , P < 0.05 ) [ corrected ] . Our treated patients lost their ambulation at a median age of 11.8 years vs. 10.5 years in the placebo group . Side effects were mild , consisting of moderate weight gain and slight behavioral changes
Conclusions Examining individual studies it appears that DFZ improves strength and functional outcomes compared to placebo , but it remains unclear if it has a benefit over prednisone on similar outcomes .
Two trials found that DFZ causes less weight gain than prednisone
Background To complete a systematic review and meta- analysis based on the clinical question : Is Deflazacort ( DFZ ) , a prednisolone derivative , an effective therapy for improving strength , with acceptable side effects , in children with Duchenne Dystrophy ( DD ) ?