Dr. Guillaume-Benjamin-Amand Duchenne

Born: Sept. 17, 1806 Boulogne, France

Died :Sept. 15, 1875 Paris France

Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy is named after Dr. Duchenne of Paris in 1861. He is one of the first person to study Muscular Dystrophy.

Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy results from a gene defect in a single important fibre in muscle fibres called dystrophin. Without dystrophin to

strengthen them, the muscle cells become weaker and eventually waste away.

DMD is hereditary, but some cases are caused by spontaneous mutations, which in a way is a case of genetic roulette.

An X-linked gene causes Duchenne muscular dystrophy (that is, the gene is on the X chromosome) This means that only boys are affected but that their mothers may be carriers.

     WOMEN                     MEN

    XX                XY

GOWER SIGN of DUCHENNE M.D.

Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy is a very serious condition.

First signs of difficulties are shown in

walking, standing, climbing stairs, running, etc., between the ages of one to three years.

Between ages 8-10 children becomes wheelchair confined.

Scoliosis and other medical conditions may develop due to muscle weakness.

It affects mainly boys 1 in every 2800 of any race.

Diagnose: mostly by genetic tests, CPK readings, Muscle biopsy,

Treatment:

Unfortunately until now, there is no known cure. Only different ways to manage this condition. Physical therapy, hydrotherapy, braces, steroids, support, etc.,

Rev. Dr. M.Singh is founder and President of the Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy Foundation in Suriname South America.

It was initiated when their son, Josia Singh, was diagnosed with the same prognosis as their first son, Giovanni.

Josia was 3 years young when diagnosed.

On the 9th of September 2008, he is 16 years old.

He presented the Television program on Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy in Suriname.

Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy affects the muscles of the body, including the heart and lungs.