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Muscular Dystrophy
Muscular dystrophy is the name of a group of chronic, hereditary
disorders,
characterized by progressive degeneration and malfunction of voluntary
muscles. New techniques of molecular genetics have recently led to the
discovery of the genes responsible for some muscular dystrophies.
Experimental forms of gene therapy are being tested.
The most common and severe type is Duchenne
muscular dystrophy. It typically
occurs in boys between the ages of three and six. In this type, the disease
progresses rapidly, and few survive their early 20's. Other forms include
limb-girdle, Becker, facioscapulohumeral, and myotonic. In these types,
progression of the disease is generally slow.
There is no known treatment that will arrest
or reverse the dystrophy
process, but medical management can increase mobility, maximize
independence, and ease the patient's discomfort. In forms that progress
slowly, corrective surgery might be considered to help maintain limb
function.
