Changing the Outcome for Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy
What is Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy?
Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD) is is a progressive weakening defect of all the muscles in the body, including the heart and lungs, and primarily occurs in boys. It's the most common form of muscular dystrophy. One in 3,000 boys has this fatal, genetic disease. It is typically diagnosed in children ages 3 to 7 and there is no cure. DMD affects kids of all colors, all nationalities, all classes and all ethnic backgrounds. Most patients die, on average, at about 16 years old.
Comprehensive Neuromuscular Center at Cincinnati Children's
At Cincinnati Children's, Duchenne muscular dystrophy is treated at the Comprehensive Neuromuscular Center by more than 17 specialists who offer integrated care of the various medical, social and emotional issues associated with neuromuscular patients.
The Comprehensive Neuromuscular Care Team includes physicians and subspecialists from areas such as cardiology, endocrinology, genetics, neurology, orthopaedics, psychiatry, physical therapy, pulmonary medicine and many others who come together to treat the whole child.
With its unique interdisciplinary and proactive approach, the center has established a world-class program – a one-of-a-kind program – that is changing the outcome for kids with Duchenne muscular dystrophy. Patients are coming to Cincinnati from all over the world – California, Massachusetts, Mississippi, Florida, Romania and Venezuela, just to name a few.
