Age 9-13: wheelchair bound

As Duchenne sufferers approach their teens they are no longer able to walk, and become wheelchair bound. Steroids delay the onset of puberty and cause individuals to have a shorter stature. They can also cause cataracts, as well as Cushing syndrome – a complex hormonal condition whose symptoms can include facial puffiness, weight gain, high blood pressure, osteoporosis and diabetes. Long-term steroid use makes individuals more vulnerable to fractures and infection as it reduces bone density and immunity.