Case Report
Corticosteroid-Induced Myopathy in a 10-Year-Old: A Case from Kara (Togo)
Lehleng Agba*
,
Kokou Mensah Guinhouya,
Komla Nyinèvi Anayo,
Adama Ephoevi-Ga,
Komi Apetse,
Vinyo Kumako,
Damelan Kombaté,
Komi Assogba,
Mofou Belo,
Agnon Ayelola Balogou
Issue:
Volume 10, Issue 1, March 2026
Pages:
1-4
Received:
1 October 2025
Accepted:
7 January 2026
Published:
16 January 2026
DOI:
10.11648/j.cnn.20261001.11
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Abstract: Introduction: Corticosteroid-induced myopathy (CIM) remains underdiagnosed, particularly in children. Its acute form can emerge rapidly after the initiation of corticosteroid therapy, sometimes within the first few days. Identification relies on a constellation of clinical-chronological and biological arguments, together with observation of the course after steroid withdrawal. We report an acute CIM in a 10-year-old girl from Kara (Togo) to illustrate a pragmatic diagnostic approach in a resource-limited setting. Case presentation: A 10-year-old schoolgirl referred for right-sided visual loss received an initial corticosteroid course with methylprednisolone 240 mg/day for 5 days, with partial improvement. Two weeks later, following a relapse, she received a second course of methylprednisolone 1 g/day for 5 days. Four days after completing this treatment, she developed diffuse myalgias and proximal weakness with inability to raise the lower limbs and walk. Beyond the clinical picture, laboratory tests showed creatine kinase (CK) 876 U/L (≈7.6× the upper limit of normal [ULN]) and aspartate aminotransferase (AST) ≈2.5× ULN, supporting a diagnosis of CIM. Other muscle enzymes were unavailable, as was electromyography. Management consisted of steroid withdrawal, analgesics and anti-inflammatory agents, and physiotherapy. Clinical improvement occurred within 72 hours; on day 7, CK was 430 U/L (≈3.7× ULN), followed by normalization to 97 U/L at 3 months, with complete functional recovery. Conclusion: This observation illustrates that early-onset proximal weakness occurring soon after corticosteroid pulses should prompt consideration of CIM, even in the absence of EMG. In resource-limited contexts, the trajectory of CK and the response to dechallenge are decisive elements that help optimize prognosis in a timely manner.
Abstract: Introduction: Corticosteroid-induced myopathy (CIM) remains underdiagnosed, particularly in children. Its acute form can emerge rapidly after the initiation of corticosteroid therapy, sometimes within the first few days. Identification relies on a constellation of clinical-chronological and biological arguments, together with observation of the cou...
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