Abstract: Objective To explore the effect of glucocorticoid on the growth and development of children with Duchenne's muscular dystrophy(DMD) and bone metabolism.
Methods This study retrospectively analyzed DMD children with complete dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DEXA) bone density reports who were admitted to the neuromyopathy clinic of Children's Hospital of Fudan University from January 2018 to December 2019. Anthropometric measurements, bone mineral density and serum levels of 25 hydroxyvitamin D were collected, and the above data were analyzed.
Results All the 99 patients enrolled were boys, with an average age of (7.2±2.1) years. Fifty-two children(52.5%) received glucocorticoids therapy, with an average duration of hormone therapy of 12.0(IQR 3.9,16.7) months. The age of the patients without glucocorticoids therapy were younger than the patients who received glucocorticoids therapy，［(6.3±2.0) years vs. 8.0±1.9 years, P<0.05］. The Z value of the age for height of the patients without glucocorticoids therapy was (-1.6±1.1), and the Z value of the patients with glucocorticoids therapy was (-2.1±1.5), P=0.095. The Z score of BMI of the patients without glucocorticoids therapy was (0.17±1.50), and in the patients with glucocorticoids therapy it was (0.19±1.40), P=0.35. There was no significant difference in Z score of bone mineral density(BMD) between the patients treated with hormone and those without hormone therapy, P=0.294. The serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D value of patients treated with hormone was higher than that of children who were not treated with hormone ［(19.8±8.5)μg/L vs. (17.7±1.3)μg/L, P=0.45］.
Conclusion The monitoring and followup of relevant bone metabolism indicators should be routinely improved in children with DMD. Glucocorticoids therapy within 2 years will not significantly affect bone mineral density if relevant nutrient supplements are given to patients.

Key words: DMD, Anthropological measuring, BMD, Children