10/03/2026
Ottawa, Ontario — Tuesday March 10, 2026
For children with Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD), daily steroids can slow muscle damage and protect heart and lung function. But they also carry a serious risk of adrenal suppression, which can become life-threatening during illness or surgery if it isn’t identified and managed properly. With the introduction of a newer steroid – vamorolone – families and care teams need clear, consistent guidance on how to use this therapy safely. A new publication, jointly led by CHEO endocrinologist Dr. Alexandra Ahmet and Dr. Annie Sbrocchi as part of an international expert group, and including Drs. Hugh McMillan, Leanne Ward, and Kim Phung, offers exactly that.
“Vamorolone is a new steroid that has generated a lot of excitement as a treatment option for individuals with Duchenne.” shares Dr. Ahmet. “But new therapies bring new questions for families and clinicians, and Our goal was to give care teams the guidance they need to use vamorolone safely so kids can benefit from the new treatment without added risk.”
The paper highlights that as a result, every child taking vamorolone must have a “stress steroid plan” – a backup medication plan that families use during these periods to keep their child safe. The guidance also covers how to transition from other steroids to vamorolone, how to taper doses safely, and what warning signs to watch for during times of stress and of transition.
As new therapies like vamorolone become available, expert guidance helps clinicians provide standardized, evidence based care – so individuals with DMD receive the benefits of newer treatments along with the safeguards that protect their health.