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..?
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.
Hear Jennifer Wallace Valdes and Doug Levine discuss the role of physiotherapy in the maintenance of mobility and function in DMD
Listen to Dr Annemieke Aartsma-Rus's expert opinion on genetic diagnosis in Duchenne muscular dystrophy
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
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
Birnkrant DJ, et al. Lancet Neurol. 2018;17:251–267.
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
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
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.
Carrier testing: Learn about the importance of carrier screening
Diagnosis: Learn about the importance of early diagnosis
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
DID YOU KNOW..?
The most common forms in children, Duchenne and Becker, affect approximately 1 in every 5,600 to 7,700 males ages 5 to 24