Treatment of facioscapulohumeral muscular dystrophy with Denosumab

BACKGROUND Facioscapulohumeral muscular dystrophy (FSHD) is the 3(rd) most common form of muscular dystrophy. Effective treatments for any of the muscular dystrophies have yet to be realized. This report describes such a treatment. CASE REPORT A 66 year old female was diagnosed with osteoporosis. She had been diagnosed with FSHD muscular dystrophy a number of years previously by both genetic and clinical studies. Following a 2 year course with Forteo for osteoporosis, she was given an injection of Denosumab (Prolia) to maintain her bone density. By 24 hours, she exhibited increased strength and a dramatic reduction of her dystrophic symptoms e.g. she could walk unassisted in high heels. She was able to accomplish other things that had not been possible for a number of years. After approximately 5 weeks she gradually lost the newfound strength with a complete loss by about 6 weeks. A second injection of Denosumab resulted in the same effect, i.e. reversal of symptoms and increased functionality. A number of measurements and videos were taken to establish the beneficial effects of Prolia for future studies. This was repeated with a 3(rd) and 4(th) injection in order to establish the unequivocal beneficial effects on muscular dystrophy. CONCLUSIONS Further studies will be required to establish Denosumab as a major "front line" treatment for this disease and possibly other muscular dystrophies.