Duchenne Type Progressive Muscular Dystrophy (DMD) is a genetic disorder characterized by the progressive degeneration and weakening of muscle tissues. It is a type of muscular dystrophy that primarily affects males, although rare cases have been observed in females. The condition is caused by a mutation in the dystrophin gene, which is responsible for producing a protein called dystrophin that helps maintain the structural integrity of muscle fibers.
Symptoms of Duchenne Type Progressive Muscular Dystrophy usually appear in early childhood, typically between the ages of 2 and 6. Initial signs may include delayed motor skills development, frequent falls, and muscle weakness. As the disease progresses, individuals may experience difficulties walking, climbing stairs, and eventually become wheelchair-bound. Other symptoms may include progressive muscle wasting, loss of muscle strength, and the development of contractures (abnormal shortening of muscles or tendons).
Individuals with Duchenne Type Progressive Muscular Dystrophy may also develop cardiac complications, respiratory problems, and skeletal deformities as the disease progresses. Life expectancy is significantly reduced, with a majority of affected individuals succumbing to complications in their late teens or early twenties.
Management and treatment of Duchenne Type Progressive Muscular Dystrophy primarily focus on symptom management and supportive care. Physical therapy, assistive devices, and orthopedic interventions are often utilized to enhance mobility and quality of life. Recent advancements in gene therapy and genetic engineering offer promising prospects for potential future treatments, with ongoing research aiming to develop targeted therapies that address the underlying genetic cause of the disorder.
