Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy

Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy, a severe type of muscle weakness that usually begins at an early age and worsens quickly, may soon have a new strategy of treatment through genetic regulation.

Daily Current Affairs Quiz 2020

Key-Points

Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD) is a severe type of muscular dystrophy that primarily affects boys. Females with a single copy of the defective gene may show mild symptoms.

Muscle weakness usually begins around the age of four, and worsens quickly. Muscle loss typically occurs first in the thighs and pelvis followed by the arms.

This can result in trouble standing up. Most are unable to walk by the age of 12. Affected muscles may look larger due to increased fat content. Scoliosis is also common. Some may have intellectual disability.

It is caused by a mutation in the gene for the protein dystrophin. Dystrophin is important to maintain the muscle fiber’s cell membrane.

Although there is no known cure, physical therapy, braces, and corrective surgery may help with some symptoms.