G.P.178: BMI but not height correlates with timed motor function tests of DMD patients on long term daily glucocorticoid therapy

Abstract

DMD patients on long term daily glucocorticoid (GC) therapy are at risk for excessive weight gain and linear growth failure. The impact of excessive weight gain and short stature on motor function is unclear. Objective : To evaluate height, weight and BMI of DMD patients on long term glucocorticoid therapy; and to study the correlation of height, weight and BMI with timed motor function. Cross-sectional retrospective case series review of GC treated DMD patients Results : 110 males aged 7 to ⩽13years were treated with daily GC for 4.8±1.5years and followed at our clinic for 4.8±1.6years. 7.3% were on metformin for insulin resistance and 17.3% were on growth hormone for growth failure. There was no excessive weight growth in 62% of patient; observed weight %tiles vs normal weight %tiles had a correlation coefficient, r >0.99. 61% of patients had heights rd %tile (53% of 7– 10years old). 26% of patients were overweight (BMI 85th −95th %tile) and 34% were obese (BMI>95th %tile). Height %tiles were not correlated with timed 30 foot run (run), Gower (G) and North Star Ambulatory Assessment (NSAA) Scores. Weight %tiles correlated positively with times for G ( p 0.027) and negatively with NSAA ( p 0.004). BMI %tiles correlated positively with times for run ( p 0.011) and G ( p 0.005); and negatively with NSAA ( p 0.0009). The weight and BMI correlations were stronger for patients older than 10years of age. The mean NSAA score and times for run and Gower for the overweight and obese patients (BMI>85th %tile) reflected worse motor function than patients with normal BMI p 0.011; G p 0.013; NSAA p 0.004). For daily GC treated DMD patients, excessive weight gain is not a complication in 62%; short stature