Duchenne muscle dystrophy

TREAMENT

Duchenne muscular dystrophy is an incurable disease; however, promising vectors that may replace damaged muscle tissue are shown in recent stem-cell research. Current treatment is generally aimed to control the onset of symptoms to maximize the quality of life, which may consist of various types of physical therapy, medications, assistive devices and surgery.

Physical therapy
Physical therapy can aid in maintaining muscle strength, flexibility, and function.As muscular dystrophy progresses and muscles weaken, contractures can develop in joints. Flexibility and mobility of joints are restricted when tendons shorten. Contractures are uncomfortable and may affect the joints of the body. Physical therapy is conducted with the help of physical therapists to reach maximum physical potential of young patients with Duchenne muscle dystrophy. Their aim is to:
1. provide regular range-of-motion exercises to minimize the development of contractures and deformity.
2. Minimize other secondary complications of a physical nature
3. Monitor respiratory function and advise on techniques to assist with breathing exercises and methods of clearing secretions
4. Schedule weekly to monthly sessions at a massage therapist to lessen pain present.

Medications
In some cases, doctors may prescribe medications to slow the progression and manage signs and symptoms of muscular dystrophy. Corticosteroids such as prednisone (taken by mouth daily) and deflazacort increase energy and strength and defer severity of some symptoms. However, long term use of these medications can lead to many side effects, for example, stunted growth, loss of calcium from the bones, swelling in face and abdomen, slow healing wounds and high blood pressure. Doctors have also use gene therapy which is inserting a pared down version of the dystrophin gene into the muscles, thus allowing the muscles to produce dystrophin in order to relieve the weakness. However, so far, has not proved successful.

Assistive devices
Orthopedic appliances may improve mobility and the ability for self-care.
Braces give support for weakened muscles of your hands and lower legs and help keep muscles and tendons stretched and flexible, thus delaying the progression of contractures. Other devices, such as form-fitting removable leg braces hold the ankle in place during sleep can defer the onset of contractures. Appropriate respiratory support such as ventilator is needed when the respiratory muscles begin to collapse.

Surgery
Doctors perform tendon release surgery to release the contractures that may develop and can position joints in painful ways, and also to relieve tendons of your hip and knee and on the Achilles tendon at the back of your foot.

Other treatments
It will be crucial to be vaccinated for pneumonia and to keep up to date with influenza shots as respiratory infections may become a problem in later stages of muscular dystrophy.

posted by Kiwi @ 12:50 AM