ResearchRSSYesterday
Starting corticosteroids earlier helps improve motor function in DMD
A large study found that children with Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD) who started taking corticosteroids—a type of anti-inflammatory medicine—earlier in life had better muscle strength and movement than children who started the medicine about a year later. This shows that starting treatment as soon as possible after diagnosis helps preserve how well kids can walk, run, and use their muscles.
WHY IT MATTERSIf you have a young child with DMD, this research provides strong evidence to discuss with your doctor about starting corticosteroid treatment immediately after diagnosis rather than waiting, as earlier treatment may significantly slow muscle weakness.