Duchenne Musclar Dystrophy

Duchenne Musclar Dystrophy is a hereditary disorder that is typically identified during childhood. This disorder primarily affects boys and nearly 1 in every 3,500 male children are affected (NHGRI, 2013). The disorder itself causes severe muscle weaknesses because of the body’s inability to produce the protein dystrophin (NHGRI, 2013). Dystrophin is a special protein that binds the membranes of the muscles (PPMD, 2014). This binding helps muscle cells grow and lengthen, and it maintains healthy structures for typical development. Without this protein the muscles in the human body will not grow, develop, or operate properly and progressive damage will occur (PPMD, 2014). Progressive muscle weakness leads to high amounts of bone damage, increased

For severe cases anti-congestive medication can be used, and the prednisone steroid is commonly used to improve function ability and provide strengthening (NHGRI, 2013). Therapy is also helpful, and the use of assistive devices can help with respiratory challenges as well. For more severe cases surgery is another option (NHGRI, 2013).

The progression of DMD can be organized in four stages. Stage one is called the Early Phase which is when a child has been diagnosed with DMD (PPMD, 2014). This will typically occur between the ages of 2 and 7. The most common first signs of this disorder are connected to speech delay and the child’s inability to meet their peer population expectation level. Some physical symptoms may include falls, muscle weakness, fatigue, difficult sitting, running, jumping, and climbing, slow mover, and lack of flexibility (PPMD,

This phase progresses into more weakness. As a result most boys during this stage will need to use a power wheelchair for regular everyday mobility. The use of arms, legs, and upper body trunk areas will only be acquirable by assistance or machine-driven support. Fatigue will be more noticeable and will occur often. During this progression stage it is possible that the teen will develop scoliosis which is a curving of the spine that is caused from weak back muscles and the act of sitting for long amounts of time (Mayoclinic, 2012). Additionally, this may lead into muscle cramps and the on start of various physical