What is Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy and How is it Treated?

• Written by Pratham Gupta

  Reviewed by Akhil Pillai

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Imagine a child full of energy who suddenly begins struggling to climb stairs or run like before. This could be an early sign of Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy (DMD), which is a rare but serious genetic disorder. It primarily affects boys and gradually weakens their muscles over time. Parents often search for answers like “what is Duchenne muscular dystrophy?” or “what causes DMD?” when faced with such symptoms.

What is Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy?

Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy is a type of muscular dystrophy, a group of genetic diseases that cause progressive muscle weakness. DMD is caused by mutations in the dystrophin gene, which is responsible for producing a protein that helps keep muscle cells intact. Without this protein, muscles break down over time, leading to mobility and health challenges.

• Who does it affect? Primarily boys, although girls can also be carriers.
• When do symptoms appear? Usually between the ages of 2 to 5.
• How common is it? According to the World Health Organization, DMD affects approximately 1 in every 3,500–5,000 male births worldwide.

Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy Symptoms

Recognising muscular dystrophy symptoms early can help in diagnosis and better management.

Common Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy Symptoms include:

• Difficulty in running, climbing stairs, or standing up from the floor.
• Frequent falls and clumsy movements.
• Enlarged calves (due to muscle tissue being replaced by fat).
• Delayed speech or learning difficulties in some cases.
• Trouble with walking, eventually leading to wheelchair dependence by adolescence.
• Respiratory and heart-related complications in later stages.

What Causes DMD?

You may ask, “What causes DMD?” The answer lies in genetics.

• Dystrophin gene mutation: DMD happens due to a mutation in the dystrophin gene on the X chromosome. Since boys have only one X chromosome, they are more vulnerable.
• Inheritance pattern: Often, it’s inherited from the mother (carrier), but spontaneous mutations are also possible.
• Absence of dystrophin: Without this protein, muscle cells weaken and die, causing progressive disability.

How Is DMD Diagnosed?

Detecting DMD early helps in planning better treatment. Diagnosis involves:

• Blood tests: High levels of creatine kinase indicate muscle damage.
• Genetic testing: Confirms mutations in the dystrophin gene.
• Muscle biopsy: Rarely used now, but can show absence of dystrophin.
• Physical exams: Doctors check motor skills, posture, and walking patterns.

Questions for Your Doctor

If your child has DMD, you’ll want to get as much information about their condition as you can. Think about asking:

• What does this mean for my child?
• Do they need to see any other doctors?
• What kind of treatments are there?
• How will they make them feel?
• How can I help them be active?
• What kind of diet should they eat?

How is DMD Treated?

Now comes the most asked question: “How is DMD treated?”

Currently, there is no permanent cure for Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy. But treatments can slow down progression and improve quality of life.

Available Treatments:

• Corticosteroids:Such as prednisone, help improve muscle strength and slow the deterioration process.
• Physical therapy: Prevents stiffness and improves mobility.
• Assistive devices: Braces, wheelchairs, and ventilators support daily life.
• Heart & respiratory care: Regular monitoring to manage complications.
• Gene therapy & exon skipping drugs: New approaches showing promise in clinical trials.

Life Expectancy and Management of DMD

Children with DMD often lose the ability to walk by their teens and face heart or lung complications in adulthood. With proper care, many now live into their 30s and beyond.

Management strategies include:

• Regular physiotherapy sessions.
• Healthy diet and supplements.
• Emotional and psychological support for families.
• Continuous monitoring of cardiac and respiratory functions.

Difference Between DMD and other Muscular Dystrophies

Not all muscular dystrophies are the same. Here’s how DMD differs:

• DMD onset: Early childhood (2–5 years).
• Progression: Faster compared to Becker muscular dystrophy (a milder form).
• Severity: Leads to severe disability earlier in life.

This makes identifying Duchenne muscular dystrophy symptoms distinct from other types of muscular dystrophy.

Why Early Diagnosis Matters

Early detection of muscular dystrophy symptoms allows families to access therapies, join support groups, and prepare for lifestyle adjustments. Moreover, ongoing research in gene therapy holds hope for the future

>> Read More: Does Health Insurance Cover Treatment Of Genetic Disorders

Wrapping Up!

Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy is a challenging condition, but awareness and timely treatment can make a difference. While a complete cure is still under research, early diagnosis, supportive therapies, and strong medical care improve quality of life. Families should explore comprehensive health insurance plans to manage treatment expenses and safeguard their loved ones’ future.

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