Diseases
Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy
For healthcare professionals — reference only. This page is a brief summary, not medical advice and not a substitute for official labeling or clinical judgement. Always verify before prescribing or dispensing.
Overview
Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD) is a condition that causes skeletal and heart muscle weakness that quickly gets worse with time. Symptoms usually begin by the age of 6 years, and the condition mainly affects children assigned male at birth. There’s currently no cure, so treatment involves managing symptoms and improving quality of life.
Symptoms
- Progressive muscle weakness and atrophy (loss of muscle bulk) that begins in the child’s legs and pelvis.
- Calf muscle hypertrophy (increase in muscle size).
- Difficulty climbing up stairs.
- Difficulty walking that gets worse over time.
- Frequent falls.
- Waddling gait (walk).
- Toe walking.
Causes
- Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD) is caused by a change (mutation) in the gene that gives instructions for a protein called dystrophin.
- Dystrophin is a critical part of the dystrophin-glycoprotein complex (DGC), which plays an important role as a structural unit of muscle.
Risk factors
- Genetics
- Family history (heredity)
Diagnosis
- Creatine kinase blood test
- Genetic blood test
- Muscle biopsy
Medicines used
Frequently asked questions
What is Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy?
Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD) is a condition that causes skeletal and heart muscle weakness that quickly gets worse with time. Symptoms usually begin by the age of 6 years, and the condition mainly affects children assigned male at birth. There’s currently no cure, so treatment involves managing symptoms and improving quality of life.
What are the symptoms of Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy?
Progressive muscle weakness and atrophy (loss of muscle bulk) that begins in the child’s legs and pelvis., Calf muscle hypertrophy (increase in muscle size)., Difficulty climbing up stairs., Difficulty walking that gets worse over time., Frequent falls., Waddling gait (walk)., Toe walking.
What causes Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy?
Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD) is caused by a change (mutation) in the gene that gives instructions for a protein called dystrophin.; Dystrophin is a critical part of the dystrophin-glycoprotein complex (DGC), which plays an important role as a structural unit of muscle.
Which medicines are used for Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy?
deflazacort
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