As such, international care guidelines for DMD recommend a coordinated, multidisciplinary approach to care.1
By assembling a group of providers in a multidisciplinary team, the patient can benefit from:1
Adapted from Birnkrant 2018 [Part 1] and Muscular Dystrophy UK1,2
KEY ROLE: to optimise the maintenance of muscle strength and function, lead the multidisciplinary clinic, and act as first point of contact to families
A neuromuscular specialist:
Initiates and manages use of pharmaceutical interventions
KEY ROLE: to provide physical, occupational, and speech and language therapy
Professionals including physical therapists, occupational therapists, speech-language pathologists, orthotists and medical equipment providers:
KEY ROLE: to evaluate cardiac function and manage cardiac complications
A cardiologist:
KEY ROLE: to evaluate respiratory function and manage respiratory complications
Professionals including physicians and respiratory or physical therapists:
KEY ROLE: to manage joint contractures and scoliosis
Professionals including physical therapists, occupational therapists, rehabilitation physicians, neurologists, orthopaedic physicians and social workers:
KEY ROLE: to diagnose and treat osteoporosis
A bone heath expert:
KEY ROLE: to manage learning, emotional and behavioural disorders
Professionals including mental health clinicians, occupational therapists and physical therapists:
KEY ROLE: to provide practical and emotional support for families affected by DMD
Specialist nurses:
KEY ROLE: to manage genetic testing and explain what the results mean for families
A genetic counsellor:
KEY ROLE: to promote a healthy diet and weight, and manage any gastrointestinal problems
A dietitian nutritionist:
KEY ROLE: to provide practical and emotional support for families affected by DMD
Regional neuromuscular care advisors:
KEY ROLE: to manage endocrine complications of DMD and initiate hormone replacement therapy
An endocrinologist:
Please note that the information in this table is intended to provide an overview only and is not exhaustive information. Please refer to the international care guidelines and any local guidelines for more information.
International care guidelines for Duchenne muscular dystrophy recommend a coordinated, multidisciplinary approach to care.1 Click here to learn more.
(excluding UK and Ireland)
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