You’re not going to get a complete understanding of just how devastating the condition is, simply by looking at Duchene muscular dystrophy statistics. There are several additional pieces of information that must be kept in mind, in order to understand one particularly important fact.
Even though those who suffer from Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD) represent a comparatively small portion of the population (as you’re going to learn from Duchene muscular dystrophy statistics), this condition is still extremely serious.
DMD Statistics
There are a number of Duchenne muscular dystrophy statistics that are worth learning about. Keep in mind that the more you understand, the greater your appreciation of this disease is going to be:
1. Duchenne muscular dystrophy refers to a form of muscular dystrophy.
2. One of the most significant elements to DMD is its extremely rapid rate of progression.
3. Duchenne muscular dystrophy is generally found in young boys.
4. DMD is created through an alteration (which is also referred to as a mutation) in a gene that is known as the DMD-gene. This can be inherited in families in an X linked recessive format. However, it’s worth noting that Duchenne muscular dystrophy can also be frequently discovered in individuals who have absolutely no prior family history.
5. DMD often begins in the lower limbs. It is here that Duchenne muscular dystrophy can create a rapid-moving loss of function in muscle. It can also be realized in form of weakness of the muscles.
6. The DMD-gene is currently the 2nd largest gene at present. It encodes the muscle protein that is commonly known as dystrophin. Those who suffer from DMD are unable to make this essential protein in their muscles.
7. Symptoms of DMD are capable of appearing before the age of six. In some cases, it is possible for Duchenne muscular dystrophy symptoms to appear in children during the infancy stage.
8. Additional symptoms for Duchenne muscular dystrophy include muscle disintegration and weakness in the pelvis, diminishing muscle mass, and difficulty in walking/climbing stairs.
9. Muscle weakness can also be found in the neck and arms, in addition to other parts of the body, but DMD remains a condition that primarily focuses on the lower half of the body.
Understanding DMD Stats
The stats behind DMD are heartbreaking. However, it’s important to mention again that mere statistics will not clearly illustrate how terrible this disease truly is.
In order to appreciate the tragic potential of Duchenne muscular dystrophy, you’re also going to need to learn everything you can about the condition itself. A simple definition on DMD will get you started. From there, you can learn about symptoms, mortality rates, and other crucial elements that need to be appreciated.
Simply put, the story of DMD is a sad one. There are a number of DMD statistics that point to this being the case.
These are some of the introductory facts on Duchenne muscular dystrophy. This should serve to give you a solid foundation to understand further pieces of information on this condition. The nature of Duchenne muscular dystrophy is one of severity, in terms of its symptoms and progression rate.
Additional Facts to Know
With Duchenne muscular dystrophy, there are a few other things that are worth taking under consideration:
1. There are a number of ways to diagnose Duchenne muscular dystrophy. These methods include muscle biopsies, genetic testing, clinical findings, family history, or a combination of these things.
2. Given that Duchenne muscular dystrophy has symptoms that are capable of becoming prevalent in children as young as five years of age, a diagnosis is imperative. Without a diagnosis, it stands to reason that treatment will not begin in any capacity. Children who go without treatment for Duchenne muscular dystrophy can become dependent upon wheelchairs by the age of thirteen.
3. Treatment for Duchenne muscular dystrophy is designed to focus on the symptoms. Dilated cardiomyopathy is aggressively combined with anti-congestive meds. Certain devices may also be utilized to assist with any respiratory problems that occur. Prednisone, Deflazacort, cyclosporine, and oxandrolone are all medications that can be used in the treatment of Duchenne muscular dystrophy. In many circumstances, physical therapy is also used to treat those who suffer from DMD.
4. DMD occurs in roughly one in every thirty-five hundred males.
5. There are approximately 45, 000 individuals with the condition known as Duchenne muscular dystrophy.
Conclusion
Although Duchenne muscular dystrophy is technically considered to be a rare disorder, it is nonetheless an extremely serious one. Those who suffer from this condition and its various symptoms typically do not lead very long lives. What lives they do lead is filled with varying degrees of physical difficulty and emotional strain.
Nonetheless, the treatment options currently available give children with DMD more potential to battle the condition and its symptoms more intensely than ever before. Understanding the symptoms is absolutely crucial. It is also imperative to remember that the sooner a diagnosis is made, the sooner treatment for an individual can begin.