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 ) ?
Steroids in duchenne muscular dystrophy — Deflazacort trial
We conducted a double blind controlled trial in 28 Duchenne muscular dystrophy ( DMD ) patients with Deflazacort ( DF ) , an oxazoline derivative of prednisolone which reduces its side-effects . Myometric muscle strength measurements , Scott Score and timed tests showed statistically significant improvement for the treated group ( P less than 0.05 ) . Side-effects after 9 months of treatment included mild cushingoid appearance in four patients ( 28 % ) and moderate in only one ( 7 % ) , increased appetite in seven ( 50 % ) , increased body hair in four ( 28 % ) , irritability and hyperactivity in three ( 21 % ) . Increased body weight was not prominent and was controlled with dietary measures . No patient had to be withdrawn from medication . More research and long-term follow-up are needed in order to establish the mechanism of improvement and the consequences of long-term steroid administration in DMD . In this regard DF appears as an alternative to prednisone preserving its benefits but with fewer side-effects
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 ) ?