Description of Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy

1154 Words3 Pages

Description of the Disorder Duchenne muscular dystrophy is a genetic disorder that is characterized by progressive muscle degeneration and weakness. It is caused by a mutation of the DMD gene that can be inherited through transmission of an X-linked recessive gene. DMD codes for the muscle protein, dystrophin. As a result, people who are affected with this disorder are not able to make this protein in their muscles, causing them to become weak and not function properly (NHGRI, 2014). This disorder moves quickly throughout the body and rapidly gets worse. Of the nine different muscular disorders, Duchenne muscular dystrophy is the most prevalent form found in people today (MDA, 2014). Epidemiology Duchenne muscular dystrophy affects approximately 1 in every 3,500 live male births; that is nearly 20,000 new cases annually. This disorder primarily affects young boys because of the disorder’s location on the “X” chromosome. In very rare cases it affects young girls. A majority of the time, it only causes them to become carriers of the disorder and they never show any symptoms. Duchenne muscular dystrophy is not limited to just one race or culture; it affects all races and cultures. Typically, Duchenne muscular dystrophy can be passed down from an affected parent to their child; although, that is not necessarily true in every case. Approximately 35% of children affected with the disorder do not receive it from their parents. This is possible because the disorder can occur in any child when there is mutation on the “X” chromosome where DMD is located. This means that anybody can be affected by this disorder even if it does not run in their family (PPMD, 2014). Modes of Inheritance A majority of people diagnosed with Duchenne muscular ... ... middle of paper ... ...lar dystrophy: MedlinePlus Medical Encyclopedia. (n.d.). Retrieved March 18, 2014, from http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/ency/article/000705.htm. "Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy." Muscular Dystrophy Association. Web. 16 Mar. 2014. . Learning About Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy. (n.d.). Retrieved March 16, 2014, from http://www.genome.gov/19518854. Patient.co.uk - Trusted medical information and support. (n.d.). Retrieved March 18, 2014, from http://www.patient.co.uk/doctor/duchenne-muscular-dystrophy. Patient.co.uk - Trusted medical information and support. (n.d.). Retrieved March 16, 2014, from http://www.patient.co.uk/health/duchenne-muscular-dystrophy-leaflet Signs of Duchenne. (n.d.). Retrieved March 18, 2014, from. http://www.parentprojectmd.org/site/PageServer?pagename=Understand_about_signs.

More about Description of Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy

Open Document