Duchenne/Becker Muscular Dystrophy

The Duchenne/Becker Muscular Dystrophy topic includes research on the genetics, diagnosis, and treatment of Duchenne muscular dystrophy and Becker muscular dystrophy, which are forms of muscular dystrophy occurring in children and young adults.

Muscular dystrophies (MD) are a group of more than 30 genetic conditions that cause muscle weakness. Duchenne and Becker types of MD have similar signs and symptoms and are caused by different mutations in the same gene. These forms of muscular dystrophy almost always occur in males.

Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD) is the most common and severe form of MD among children. DMD usually occurs between the ages of 3 and 5. Muscle weakness usually begins in the upper legs and pelvis and progresses rapidly. Most people with DMD are unable to walk by age 12 and may eventually need a respirator to breathe. In the past, people with DMD usually died in their late teens or early 20s from heart trouble, respiratory complications, or infection. However, improvements in care means that many people with DMD now live into their 30s or 40s.

Becker MD usually has milder symptoms than DMD. It usually occurs between the ages of 11 and 25. Some people with Becker MD may never need to use a wheelchair, while others may lose the ability to walk.