A type of drug similar to natural hormones produced by the adrenal glands that reduce inflammation and suppress the immune response. They are often prescribed to boys with Duchenne muscular dystrophy. These steroids may have an effect on stabilising or even improving muscle strength for a period of time but not all boys respond to treatment. The main steroid that is used is called prednisolone (prednisone in the USA). Deflazacort is also used in some countries. These are not “anabolic steroids” which is what athletes use illegally to build up muscle- these do not have an effect in Duchenne muscular dystrophy. Sometimes also refered to as 'glucocorticoids'.