Welcome to Take on Duchenne
Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD) is a severe, progressive and rare genetic childhood muscle-wasting disease1–4 where achieving a timely diagnosis is critical to delay disease progression and maintain quality of life.
This website provides educational resources to support healthcare professionals recognise the early signs and symptoms of DMD, diagnose and help manage patients in clinical practice. Here you will also find support materials and resources for your practice and for your patients.
DID YOU KNOW..?
Children demonstrating red flag signs and symptoms such as significant development delay could have Duchenne muscular dystrophy
Birnkrant DJ, et al. Lancet Neurol. 2018;17:251–267. National Task Force for Early Identification of Childhood Neuromuscular Disorders. Guide for primary care providers. Available at: https://childmuscleweakness.org/wp-content/uploads/2019/05/PrimaryCareProviderPacket.pdf [last accessed November 2020].
Expert insights: Dr Luca Bello's expert opinion on identifying the key signs and symptoms of Duchenne muscular dystrophy
Learn about a mother's account of family life after receiving a Duchenne muscular dystrophy diagnosis for her son
Expert insights: Dr Luca Bello's expert opinion on reaching a Duchenne muscular dystrophy diagnosis from initial suspicion
Signs and symptoms: Recognising the early signs and symptoms of Duchenne muscular dystrophy
Duchenne muscular dystrophy: Learn what Duchenne muscular dystrophy is and how it progresses
DID YOU KNOW..?
Genetic counselling offers many benefits for families living with Duchenne muscular dystrophy
Helderman-van den Enden AT, et al. Clin Genet. 2011;79:236–242
Neuromuscular disorders: Learn about signs, symptoms and causes
Neuromuscular disorders: An introduction
Expert insights: Dr Damjam Osredkar's expert opinion on diagnosis and management of Duchenne muscular dystrophy
Carrier testing: Learn about the importance of carrier screening
Diagnosis: Learn about the importance of early diagnosis
DID YOU KNOW..?
GPs are a first point of contact for concerned parents and they can be a driving force behind a successful diagnostic journey
Birnkrant DJ, et al. Lancet Neurol. 2018;17:445–455. Noritz GH, et al. Pediatrics. 2013;131:e2016–e2027.
Neuromuscular disorders: Learn about the 'red flag' signs and symptoms
Patient resources: a variety of educational materials designed for patients and families
Expert insights: Prof. Ros Quinlivan's expert opinion on Duchenne muscular dystrophy symptoms, diagnosis and management
Genetic diagnosis: Learn about the importance of genetic testing in diagnosis
Creatine kinase (CK): A guide to CK testing and interpreting the results
DID YOU KNOW..?
Early signs and symptoms of Duchenne muscular dystrophy may appear before a child's second birthday
Neuromuscular disorders: What to do if you suspect a neuromuscular disorder
RCPCH e-Learning module: Recognising neuromuscular disorders
Meetings and events: Upcoming International (or local) Congresses and Events
Educational materials: Comic books for children and caregivers explaining Duchenne muscular dystrophy
Online resources: Find out more about educational websites for patients and families
DID YOU KNOW..?
Duchenne muscular dystrophy is a rare genetic disorder that causes progressive muscular damage and degeneration
Van Ruiten HJ, et al. Arch Dis Child. 2014;99:1074–1077. 2. Birnkrant DJ, et al. Lancet Neurol. 2018;17:251–267.
Publications: Read some of the latest scientific and clinical research on Duchenne muscular dystrophy
HCP resources: Duchenne muscular dystrophy materials for your practice
Expert insights: Listen to Dr Luca Bello's expert opinion on reaching a diagnosis and managing Duchenne muscular dystrophy
HCP resources: International Duchenne Care Considerations
Pharmacological therapy: Learn more about treatment with glucocorticoids
DID YOU KNOW..?
Duchenne muscular dystrophy is one of the most common and severe forms of muscular dystrophy
National Institutes of Health. Muscular dystrophy. Available at: https://www.nichd.nih.gov/health/topics/factsheets/540 [last accessed November 2020]. Van Ruiten HJ, et al. Arch Dis Child. 2014;99:1074–1077.
Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD) management: Learn more about pharmacological treatments in the management of DMD
Aetiology and genetics: Learn how Duchenne muscular dystrophy is inherited
Aetiology and genetics: Learn what types of mutations cause Duchenne muscular dystrophy
Aetiology and genetics: Learn what causes Duchenne muscular dystrophy
Carriers of Duchenne muscular dystrophy: Learn about symptoms and care
DID YOU KNOW..?
Duchenne muscular dystrophy is a progressive disease that presents in early childhood and requires an accurate and early diagnosis to avoid life-threatening complications