Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD) is one of the most common and devastating types of muscular degeneration and results in progressive muscle weakness, starting at young age.1,2 A genetic disorder, DMD primarily affects boys and is characterized by loss of the protein dystrophin in muscle cells as a result of genetic mutations.3,4 The associated cell damage and uncontrolled influx of calcium leads to mitochondrial dysfunction and reduced energy production in muscle cells.5 This contributes to progressive muscle weakness and loss of muscle tissue over time including a decline in pulmonary function leading to trouble breathing.4,5 The average age at which boys will start to show symptoms of DMD is 3 to 5 years, and they are commonly unable to walk by their teenage years.1,4,6 As the disease progresses, the muscles affected include those needed for breathing (respiration),causing a problem called respiratory insufficiency that leads to worsening breathing.This means that patients with DMD suffer from a decline in respiratory function, may need support to breathe and may have more frequent lung infections.79 Other typical symptoms include a weak cough, chest infections, daytime sleepiness, headaches, suffering from nightmares, or other respiratory and pulmonary infections. See more here: Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy: Causes, Symptoms, Treatment … Continue reading →

Thanks to advances in many areas of medicine, such as cardiology and pulmonology, people with Duchenne muscular dystrophy in the 21st century are living longer than in previous decades, often well into adulthood. The use of available treatments can help maintain comfort and function and prolong life. Talk with anMDA clinicphysician for more information. People with DMD may haveunexpected adverse reactions to certain types of anesthesia. It's important that the surgical team know about the patient's DMD so that complications can be avoided or quickly treated. Braces, also calledorthoses, support the ankle and foot, or may extend up over the knee.Ankle-foot orthoses (AFOs) are sometimes prescribed for night wear to keep the foot from pointing downward and keep the Achilles tendon stretched while the child is sleeping. Standing for a few hours each day, even with minimal weight bearing, promotes better circulation, healthier bones and a straight spine. Astanding walker or standing framecan assist people with DMD to stand. Some wheelchairs will raise the user into a standing position. Sooner or later, a wheelchair is needed in DMD, typically by about age 12. Unless there's an injury, such as a broken leg, wheelchair use usually is gradual. Many at first … Continue reading →