Duchenne muscular dystrophy: the effect of glucocorticoids on ventilator use and ambulation

To describe the effect of glucocorticoid treatment on age at wheelchair dependence and at dependence on part-time (<23 hrs/day) and continuous noninvasive mechanical ventilation.

In this retrospective study, patients with Duchenne muscular dystrophy who received glucocorticoid therapy were compared with those who did not for ages at wheelchair dependence and when beginning part-time (nocturnal) and continuous noninvasive intermittent positive pressure ventilation (NIV). Respiratory symptoms, end-tidal carbon dioxide, oximetry, and vital capacity were noted every 4-12 mos, and NIV was initiated for symptomatic nocturnal hypoventilation. The daily NIV use increased until some required it continuously to survive.

The 117 untreated patients became wheelchair-dependent at 9.7 +/- 1.3 yrs of age. Four then died from cardiac failure, and five were older than 19 yrs without using NIV. The remaining 108 began nocturnal NIV at 19.2 +/- 3.7 yrs of age. Ninety of the 108 became continuously NIV-dependent at 21.9 +/- 4.5 yrs of age, and the 17 treated with glucocorticoid therapy became wheelchair-dependent significantly later at 10.8 +/- 1.3 yrs of age (P = 0.02). Three died from cardiac failure, and three were older than 19 yrs without using NIV. The remaining 11 began nocturnal NIV at 22.9 +/- 5.3 yrs of age (P = 0.05). Eight of the 11 became continuously NIV-dependent at age 28.9 +/- 7.3 yrs (P = 0.005).

Intermittent glucocorticoid therapy delays wheelchair dependence and may delay ventilator dependence for patients with Duchenne muscular dystrophy.