Four boys suffering from Duchenne muscular dystrophy treated with corticosteroids (deflazacort or prednisone) had growth retardation with height varying between -3.24 and -1.85 standard deviations, growth velocity ranging from 0 to 3.25 cm/year and bone age retardation of two to four years.
- Treatment with growth hormone at a rate of 0.24mg/kg/week accelerated growth from 3 to 7.8 cm/year in the 6-18 months following the start of treatment.
- Two boys re-started their growth curve, and the third slowed his growth delay. The fourth remained at -1 standard deviation despite treatment.
- The treatment was well tolerated, with no impact on cardiorespiratory or motor function.
