What is the role of corticosteroids in DMD management and a key consideration in care?

• A. They slow disease progression but require monitoring for growth suppression, weight gain, bone health, and glucose intolerance
• B. They cure the disease
• C. They have no adverse effects
• D. They only relieve pain

Answer: (A)

Corticosteroids slow the decline in muscle strength and function in Duchenne muscular dystrophy, helping to delay loss of independent ambulation and preserve respiratory function. This therapeutic benefit makes them a standard part of care, but they come with notable side effects that require active management.

The best answer highlights that these drugs slow disease progression while necessitating careful monitoring for growth suppression, weight gain, bone health, and glucose intolerance. Regularly tracking growth and height velocity, watching for weight gain and body mass changes, assessing bone density and fracture risk, and screening for glucose metabolism issues are essential parts of care. Together with measures like ensuring adequate calcium and vitamin D, promoting healthy activity, and coordinating with specialists as needed, monitoring helps maximize benefits while mitigating risks.

Corticosteroids do not cure the disease, and they can have adverse effects beyond these, so ongoing evaluation is critical. They are not simply for pain relief; their main role is modifying disease progression, balanced by careful side-effect management.