DMD and SMA Flashcards
What causes Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy?
mutation in gene that encodes for dystrophin
2/3 cases of Duchenne muscular dystrophy are…
x-linked, recessive, myogenic disorders
1/3 cases of Duchenne muscular dystrophy are..
random spontaneous genetic mutations that occur during pregnancy
When do males with Duchenne muscular dystrophy typically lose the ability to walk?
early teenage years
what is the life expectancy of males with Duchenne muscular dystrophy?
early 20’s
Characteristic of dystrophin:
*Protein inside surface of the sarcolemma
* Increases sarcolemma deformability, maintains muscle cell structure and function
* “Shock absorber”: allows muscles to contract and relax
without damage
* Links actin and other support proteins
* Supports muscle fiber strength, reduces stiffness
Lack of dystrophin leads to…
intolerance of mechanical forces present during muscle contraction
Nervous symptoms signs and symptoms of DMD
- developmental delay
- motor delay
cognition signs and symptoms of DMD
- learning disability
gastrointestinal signs and symptoms of DMD
- dysphagia
- constipation
- reflux
- gastroparesis
respiratory signs and symptoms of DMD
- respiration insufficiency
- sleep apnea
musculoskeletal signs and symptoms of DMD
- muscle weakness (Gower’s Signs; proximal to distal)
- fatigue
- muscle cramps
- difficulty walking and climbing stairs
- gait abnormalities
- contractures
- psuedohypertrophy
- lordosis and scoliosis
- neck weakness
heart signs and symptoms of DMD
cardiomyopathy
Calf Muscle Pseudohypertrophy
- apparent increase in size of calf muscles due to the replacement of muscle fibers by fat and connective tissue
- frequently one of the first signs of DMD
Diagnosing DMD through blood test
- Creatine Kinase Levels
- Enzyme which leaks out of damaged muscles
- Elevated CK levels indicate muscle disintegration
- Peak at 10-20x normal value by age 2-3, then fall at ~25% per year as muscle is replaced with fat and fibrotic tissue
Diagnosing DMD through genetic testing
- Genetic mutation – deletions
- Carrier screening
- Important –> Research trials and medications now are specific to genetic mutation
Diagnosing DMD through muscle biopsy
- Previously frequently performed, now rare
- Distinguish among different types of muscular dystrophies
How else can DMD be diagnosed?
by clinical presentation
Infancy - Early Childhood: Early Ambulatory Phase
- Few impairments, activity limitations or participation restrictions seen
- Delayed onset of ambulation
- 50%: fail to walk until 18 months of age
*Decreased growth velocity –> shorter stature
*Unless there is a family history of DMD, symptoms are not typically noticed (Dx around 4-5/yo)
What is the goal of rehabilitation in the early ambulatory phase?
Education and support
School-aged: Middle Ambulatory Phase
- Initial observations: clumsiness, falling, inability to keep up with peers while playing
- difficulty with stairs, standing up from floor (Gower’s sign)
- Fatigue (8-10) –> restrictive pulmonary disease
initial gait of school aged (middle ambulatory phase)
- increased lateral trunk sweat, increased with running
- Progressive deviations (compensatory to shift center of mass forward and promote stability): increased base of support, compensated Trendelenburg, toe walking for knee stabilization, in-toeing, shoulder/scapular retraction, lack of reciprocal arm swing
Contractures likely to occur during school-aged/middle ambulatory phase
- plantar flexors
- hip abductors
- hip flexors
School - aged/ middle ambulatory phase - PT Examination
- Brooke Scale (UE Function)
- Vignos Scale (LE Function)
- PEDI
- School Function Assessment
- Wee-FIM
- North Star Ambulatory Assessment (used in majority of clinical trials)
School aged/Middle ambulatory phase timed functional tests
- 10m Walk-Run
- Supine to stand
- 6MWT
- Climbing 4 stairs
What else should you test in the middle ambulatory phase (school aged)
- MMT
- Dynamometry (hip/knee extension)
- ROM
- Respiratory Function Testing (chest wall expansion, ability to cough and clear secretions, FVC)