Adrenal Suppression in Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy: Management Strategies Incorporating Novel Steroid Vamorolone

Adrenal suppression is an iatrogenic form of adrenal insufficiency that occurs secondary to exogenous glucocorticoids (GCs) and is a documented cause of premature mortality among individuals with Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD). Adrenal suppression in DMD necessitates awareness and careful management, given that GCs are currently the mainstay of therapy for individuals living with DMD. Vamorolone, a novel GC that has recently been approved in some regions worldwide for the treatment of DMD, has also been reported to place individuals at high risk of adrenal suppression in a dose-dependent fashion, requiring health care professional awareness. Vamorolone is a mineralocorticoid receptor antagonist, a characteristic of the drug that differentiates it from classic GCs that impacts the approach to adrenal suppression management. This contemporary perspective provides insights into the mechanisms underlying adrenal suppression due to both classic GCs and novel vamorolone therapy, followed by an overview of adrenal suppression management with a particular focus on the unique aspects of providing care for individuals treated with vamorolone. It also emphasizes the importance of educating the DMD community and health care providers about the recognition and management of adrenal suppression and outlines critical concepts for clinicians managing adrenal suppression risk, tapering GCs, and transitioning from classic GC therapy to vamorolone. The key principles of managing adrenal suppression due to classic GCs and novel vamorolone therapy highlighted in this perspective are expected to enhance clinical practice, mitigate mortality, and optimize health outcomes for individuals with DMD.