What is the usual clinical consequence of corticosteroid use in Duchenne muscular dystrophy?

In the context of Duchenne muscular dystrophy, corticosteroids are commonly used to manage the disease and one of their significant effects is the improvement in pulmonary function. This is crucial because as Duchenne muscular dystrophy progresses, respiratory muscles can weaken, leading to compromised lung function. Corticosteroids help preserve muscle strength, including the respiratory muscles, which contributes to better pulmonary performance and reduces the risk of respiratory complications.

While corticosteroids can have other effects on the body, such as decreasing muscle mass over time or potentially increasing the risk of fractures due to their impact on bone health, the enhancement of pulmonary function stands out as a vital clinical benefit in the management of this condition. Therefore, the correct understanding emphasizes the role of corticosteroids in maintaining respiratory health and function for individuals with Duchenne muscular dystrophy.