ObjectiveTo systematically review the therapeutic effects and safety of glucocorticoids (GC) for Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD). MethodsDatabases such as PubMed, EMbase, CENTRAL, CNKI, WanFang Data, VIP and CBM were electronically searched from the establishment of the databases till December 2011. All randomized controlled trials (RCTs) about GC for DMD were included. Two reviewers independently screened literature according to the inclusion and exclusion criteria, extracted data, and evaluated the methodological quality of the included studies. Then meta-analysis was performed using RevMan 5.0.2 software. ResultsA total of 6 studies involving 303 DMD children were included. The results of meta-analysis showed that after 6 month treatment of GC (deflazacort), patients' symptoms were obviously improved in average muscle strength, lift weight ability, forced vital capacity (FVC) of the lung, emotional factor scores and total scores in Quality of life (QoL), Gower's time, nine meters walking time (T9 m), and four-stair climbing time (T4 s). However, the trial group showed more weight gain, behavioural changes, increased appetite, cushingoid appearance, and excessive hair growth. The incidences of osteoporosis/fracture, hypertension, diabetes, and cataract were not increased. ConclusionGC could improve muscle strength and function, stabilize pulmonary function, prolong independent walk time, and improve QoL of DMD patients. However, adverse reaction caused by GC should be taken caution.