Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy

Alternate Names : Pseudohypertrophic Muscular Dystrophy

What can be done to prevent the disease?

Since Duchenne muscular dystrophy is an inherited disorder, genetic counseling may helpful to couples with a family history of the disease.

What are the long-term effects of the disease?

Duchenne muscular dystrophy causes progressive deterioration of the muscles, and loss of function. The muscle deterioration leads to the use of braces and eventually a wheelchair. Impaired lung function leads to serious lung infections, aspiration, and death.

What are the risks to others?

Duchenne muscular dystrophy is not contagious. It is an X-linked recessive disorder. This means that an unaffected woman who carries the gene can pass it to her sons.