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Published on: May 24, 2016
Calcium antagonists for Duchenne muscular dystrophy.
Margaret F Phillips1, Rosaline Quinlivan
1Division of Rehabilitation Medicine, University of Nottingham, Arkwright House, Derby City Hospital, Derby, UK, DE22 3NE. margaret.phillips@nottingham.ac.uk
The Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews
|October 10, 2008
Summary
Calcium antagonists do not show significant benefits for muscle function in Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD). Further research is needed as current studies are limited and some newer drugs haven
Area of Science:
- Neurology
- Pharmacology
- Genetics
Background:
- Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD) is a severe childhood-onset genetic disorder characterized by progressive muscle degeneration.
- DMD results from a deficiency in dystrophin, a protein crucial for muscle cell integrity.
- Intracellular calcium accumulation contributes to muscle cell damage in DMD.
Purpose of the Study:
- To assess the efficacy of calcium antagonists in improving muscle function and strength in individuals with DMD.
- To review existing randomized controlled trials investigating calcium antagonists for DMD.
Main Methods:
- Comprehensive literature search of Cochrane Neuromuscular Disease Group Trials Register, MEDLINE, and EMBASE up to March 2008.
- Inclusion criteria: randomized or quasi-randomized controlled trials of any calcium antagonist in DMD patients.
- Data extraction and quality assessment by two independent reviewers; meta-analysis planned if feasible.
Main Results:
- Five trials (verapamil, diltiazem, nifedipine, flunarizine) met inclusion criteria but were not comparable for meta-analysis.
- Trials had limitations in blinding, randomization, and outcome definitions; participant numbers were often low.
- One verapamil trial suggested a muscle force difference but noted cardiac side effects; newer agents like amlodipine were not studied.
Conclusions:
- Current evidence does not support a significant beneficial effect of calcium antagonists on muscle function in DMD.
- The limited power and methodological issues in existing trials necessitate further investigation.
- Future research could explore newer calcium antagonists with potentially improved safety profiles.
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