[Effect of sinestrol on the course of the myodystrophic process in progressive Duchenne muscular dystrophy]

Therapeutic effect of sinestrol was investigated in 15 patients with progressive muscular dystrophy of Duchenne (PMDD) aged 7 to 10 years, at stage II of the disease. The drug was given orally 1 mg twice a day for 3 weeks. Control group consisted of 14 patients with PMDD aged 7 to 9 years. By the end of the course a several relief of motor constraint was noted in 10 patients with functional tests improved, tendon reflexes increased. The results of clinico-electromyographic investigation performed 6 months after the sinestrol withdrawal evidenced progressive course of the disease, though its rate was significantly lower in sinestrol-treated group. The treatment did not produce considerable changes in the baseline hormonal profile (gonadotropins, prolactin, sexual steroids).