Glucocorticoid-Associated Demise of a Patient With Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy

Am J Phys Med Rehabil. 2020 Dec;99(12):e146-e148. doi: 10.1097/PHM.0000000000001426.

Abstract

We describe the clinical deterioration of a 26-yr-old man with Duchenne muscular dystrophy on oral daily high-dose deflazacort. Although this daily regimen was targeted to benefit ambulation and respiration, it resulted in premature death with lethal sequelae from liver failure, decubiti, diabetes mellitus, and morbid obesity. This case illustrates the need for further research weighing risk versus benefit of daily glucocorticoid therapy, specifically deflazacort, in Duchenne muscular dystrophy patients. Thus, curtailment of daily dosing to eliminate dire sequelae in patients living longer into adulthood than ever before is recommended.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Anti-Inflammatory Agents / administration & dosage
  • Anti-Inflammatory Agents / adverse effects*
  • Disease Progression
  • Drug Administration Schedule
  • Glucocorticoids / administration & dosage
  • Glucocorticoids / adverse effects*
  • Humans
  • Long Term Adverse Effects
  • Male
  • Muscular Dystrophy, Duchenne / complications*
  • Muscular Dystrophy, Duchenne / drug therapy*
  • Pregnenediones / administration & dosage
  • Pregnenediones / adverse effects*

Substances

  • Anti-Inflammatory Agents
  • Glucocorticoids
  • Pregnenediones
  • deflazacort