My husband had Hodgkin's Disease many years ago and we had to sign release forms since prednisone was a very new and experimental drug and our daughter was on it before she died for Crohn's Disease.
Well, good you don't judge -- I don't, either -- as to the whys. I am always curious, however, as to the cause; it's a biological, physiological curiosity, not a fault finding interest.
Sorry to read about your husband and daughter, hope they are now better. Prednisone can be very harmful, although sometimes it's necessary for certain conditions. At least, necessary with some qualifications because I'm not sure the advantages are worth the detriments. I do know it causes weight gain and that swollen, very puffy facial problem that Lewis had.