What is a potential effect of using prednisone or corticosteroids in muscular dystrophy management?

• A. They may slow progression and maintain strength but increase fracture risk.
• B. They cure muscular dystrophy.
• C. They have no effect on bone health.
• D. They immediately restore full motor function.

Answer: (A)

Corticosteroids in muscular dystrophy mainly slow how quickly weakness progresses and help preserve muscle strength for a longer period, which can extend the time a person can walk and perform daily activities. At the same time, they can affect bones, increasing the risk of weaker bones and fractures, especially in children who are still growing. So the best choice highlights both the benefit of slowing progression and strength preservation and the important trade-off of increased fracture risk.

They do not cure muscular dystrophy, they do have effects on bone health (contradicting an option that says there’s no effect on bones), and they do not instantly restore full motor function.