Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy

Definition: Inherited disorder in which the muscles continue to weaken. Most often seen in males.

Symptoms usually occur before age 6 and can include:

• Fatigue
• Mental retardation
• Muscle weakness (usually begins in legs and pelvis)
• Frequent falls
• Usually wheelchair bound by age 12

Related Complications:

• Abnormal heart muscle (cardiomyopathy)
• CHF or arrhythmias
• Deformities of the chest or back (scoliosis)
• Enlarged calf muscles
• Muscle wasting
• Muscle contractures
• Muscle deformities
• Respiratory infections (pneumonia)
• Respiratory failure
• Sensation is still intact (they can feel everything)

There is no cure; treatment focuses on symptoms.

Life expectancy is 25 years.

Death usually results from respiratory complications