Quality of Life in long term ventilated adult patients with Duchenne muscular dystrophy

Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD) is one of the most common neuromuscular diseases. It determines a progressive impairment of muscular function that can lead to inability to move, respiratory failure and death [1 –3]. Although improvement in disease management and therapeutic advancements have significantly increased life expectancy [4,5], the progression of the disease and of the functional impairment is not arrested by the present treatment modalities. In older DMD patients, symptoms due to skeletal musc les impairment are prominent, and the severe deterioration of respiratory muscles function causes frequent lung infections and reduces ability to cough [6].

Source: Neuromuscular Disorders - June 28, 2019 Category: Neurology Authors: Grazia Crescimanno, Francesca Greco, Rosaria D'Alia, Luigi Messina, Oreste Marrone Source Type: research