Randomized controlled trial of testosterone in myotonic dystrophy

Because testosterone has an anabolic effect in myotonic dystrophy, we conducted a 12-month, randomized, double-blind therapeutic trial of testosterone enanthate (3 mg/kg/wk) in 40 men with myotonic dystrophy. We evaluated strength by manual muscle tests, quantitative myometry, pulmonary function, and quantitative functional assessment. A sustained, significant elevation of testosterone levels was produced but there was no effect on any measurement of muscle strength. Muscle mass as estimated by creatinine excretion and lean body mass (40K method) increased significantly. We conclude that testosterone does not improve strength in myotonic dystrophy despite increasing muscle mass.

Clinical investigation of Duchenne muscular dystrophy. Interesting results in a trial of prednisone

We investigated the effect of high-dose prednisone therapy in 33 boys with Duchenne muscular dystrophy. The drug was given daily in doses of 1.5 mg/kg of body weight (to a maximum of 80 mg) for six months. Muscle strength, joint contractures, timed functional tests, functional ability, and pulmonary function were measured at the beginning and end of the treatment period. The trial was designed using natural history controls, and the power of the study was 0.80 to detect a slowing of 50% in the rate of progression. During the period of the trial, muscle strength, functional grades, timed functional tests, and pulmonary function improved. Contractures followed the expected natural history of the illness.

Reliability of goniometric measurements in patients with Duchenne muscular dystrophy

Previous studies of reliability of goniometric measurements have produced varied findings suggesting the need to document further the reliability of measuring range of motion in different patient groups. The purpose of this study was to determine the intratester and intertester reliability of goniometric measurements of seven common upper and lower extremity joint limitations in children with Duchenne muscular dystrophy. Five physical therapists participated in the study. The procedure and order of measurements were standardized. Results showed that intratester reliability for all measurements was high (ICC = .81 to .94), but intertester reliability showed a wide variation (ICC = .25 to .91). The results of this study indicate the need to use the same examiner for long-term follow-up and for assessing results of specific treatment interventions.

Clinical trials in Duchenne dystrophy. Standardization and reliability of evaluation procedures

A multiclinic, collaborative study has been designed to assess the natural progression and efficacy of treatment of Duchenne muscular dystrophy. This article describes the protocol for the evaluation technique and the method used to establish within (intraobserver) and between (interobserver) reliability of the protocol evaluation procedures. Standardized patient evaluations were used, and consistency of evaluation was monitored by a computer. The reliability of the measures was analyzed 1) within observers by comparing the results of each of the first three tests done by each evaluator for all patients and 2) between observers by comparing, at multicenter group meetings, the results of each of the four evaluators' tests of the same patient. We have demonstrated reliability for an evaluation method that will provide an objective foundation on which to claim a drug or therapeutic procedure does or does not have an effect in treating Duchenne muscular dystrophy.