Corticosteroid use in the treatment of neuromuscular disorders: empirical and evidence-based data.

Corticosteroids have been used to treat neuromuscular disorders for many years. With few randomized, controlled trials, efficacy has been established primarily from empirical data. This has led to a range of treatment regimens varying in terms of initial dosing, dosing schedules, and taper rates. The goals of this review were to examine the literature for data concerning corticosteroid pharmacokinetics and for evidence-based treatment regimens in several prototypic neuromuscular disorders. The results provide a number of sound principles for corticosteroid use, but also indicate that corticosteroid regimens and patient management are largely based on empirical clinical experiences.