Body composition and energy expenditure in Duchenne muscular dystrophy

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the relationship between resting energy expenditure (REE) and body composition in Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy (DMD). DESIGN: An observational study. SETTING: University Research Centre. SUBJECTS: Nine Duchenne children (age range 6-12 y), mean relative weight 128%, agreed to undergo the investigation and all of them completed the study; INTERVENTIONS: Assessment of body composition (total body fat and skeletal muscle mass) by magnetic resonance imaging and resting energy expenditure by indirect calorimetry. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Fat mass (FM; kg and percentage weight), fat-free mass (FFM; kg and percentage weight), muscle mass (kg and percentage weight), resting energy expenditure (kJ/kg body weight and kJ/kg fat-free mass). RESULTS:: In Duchenne children fat mass averages 32% and total skeletal muscle mass 20% of body weight. Resting energy expenditure per kg of body weight falls within the normal range for children of the same age range, while when expressed per kg of FFM is significantly higher than reference values. No relationship was found between REE and total skeletal muscle mass. CONCLUSIONS: Our results do not demonstrate a low REE in DMD boys; on the contrary REE per kg of FFM is higher than normal, probably due to the altered FFM composition. We suggest that the development of obesity in DMD children is not primarily due to a low REE but to other causes such as a reduction in physical activity and or overfeeding.     

Protein and energy metabolism in patients with progressive muscular dystrophy.

Studies were made on whether body weight loss in patients with muscular dystrophy is due to reduced intake and/or abnormal expenditure of energy. For this, food intakes and various physiological variables were surveyed in totals of 310 patients with Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD) of 11 to 29 years old and 28 patients with limb-girdle muscular dystrophy (LGMD) of 30 to 47 years old. Energy and protein intakes, expressed on a unit body weight basis, in DMD patients were comparable to, or higher than the allowances for age-matched healthy controls, whereas those in LGMD patients were 92 and 94% respectively of these allowances. The basal metabolic rate (BMR), expressed as kcal/kg/day, of DMD patients of all ages was higher than that of controls, the difference increasing with age, and being about 20 to 30% higher than that of controls in older patients with DMD. The BMR of LGMD patients was nearly normal. The maintenance requirements of conventional dietary protein in DMD and LGMD patients were 1.26 and 0.84 g/kg/day, respectively. These values were about 68 and 12% higher than the normal adult value (0.75 g/kg/day), indicating decreased protein utilization and increased protein catabolism. Daily excretion of urinary 3-methylhistidine (3MH) per unit muscle mass (micrograms/mg creatinine) by MD patients was significantly higher than that by controls, indicating increased degradation of muscle protein. The BMR, maintenance protein requirement and 3MH excretion of DMD patients suggest that DMD is a hypercatabolic disease. Comparison of the energy and protein intakes with the allowances estimated in consideration of increased requirements showed deficiencies of energy and protein in DMD patients. Thus, we conclude that the underweight of the DMD patients resulted from nutrient deficiencies due to hypercatabolism, despite their considerably high intakes of energy and protein, expressed as per kg body weight. These deficiencies were confirmed by demonstrating decreased concentrations of free essential amino acids, particularly branched chain amino acids, in their serum. The values of variables of LGMD patients were intermediate between those of DMD patients and control subjects.     

18 years experience with mechanical ventilation in patients with Duchenne muscular dystrophy

OBJECTIVE: To find out which patients with Duchenne muscular dystrophy are eligible for starting home mechanical ventilation and what the survival rate is. DESIGN: Retrospective. METHOD: In 48 patients with Duchenne muscular dystrophy who were treated with home ventilation from 1987, the results were assessed in the follow-up visit in February 2005. Initially, ventilation was only given through a tracheotomy (TPPV), but after starting up a multidisciplinary neuromuscular consultation, non-invasive ventilation (NIPPV) was offered in an earlier stage of the disease. The following data were derived from the outpatient medical record: indication for ventilation, vital capacity (VC), arterial blood gas values, duration of ventilation up to February 2005, survival and causes of death. RESULTS: 15 patients died. The 5-year survival rate was 75% from the start of mechanical ventilation and 67% (18/27) of the patients were still living at home at the time of the follow-up visit. The most important causes of death were cardiomyopathy (5/15) and tracheal bleeding (3/15). The group of patients who started ventilation before 1995 (n = 17) had a significantly smaller VC than the group (n = 31) who started after the neuromuscular consultation was set up. The PaCO2 during daytime was significantly higher in the group that started ventilation before 1995 compared to the group that started later. CONCLUSION: Home mechanical ventilation can be implemented effectively in patients with Duchenne dystrophy, with a 5-year survival of 75%.     

Parents' perspectives on coping with Duchenne muscular dystrophy

BACKGROUND: The author, who has a grown son with Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy (DMD), has personally experienced a lack of available information for parents about coping with DMD. Therefore, as a longtime personal goal, she developed this study to address that lack of information. METHODS: Fifteen semi-structured interviews were conducted with 23 parents (n = 7 with both parents; n = 1 with two sisters; n = 6 with mothers only; n = 1 with father only). The purpose of the interviews was to examine the strategies parents use to cope when their sons have DMD. The interviews were conducted in 12 states, taped and transcribed. RESULTS: Grounded theory analysis of the interview data indicated the willingness of these parents to share information to empower others like themselves. CONCLUSIONS: Parents want to be heard and valued as experts on DMD by medical and other professionals who interact with their sons. In addition, they want to proactively participate in their sons' lives and to encourage other parents to do the same.     

Duchenne型肌营养不良症的临床特点和基因分析

目的探讨Duchenne型肌营养不良症(DMD)的临床特点和基因特点,为临床诊断提供依据。方法回顾性分析2015—2019年中山大学附属第六医院遗传代谢实验室基因检测确诊的15例DMD患儿的基因检测结果和临床资料,探讨DMD的临床特征和基因特点。结果 15例患儿发病年龄1个月～12岁,临床表现以小腿腓肠肌假性肥大、Gowers征及走路摇摆(鸭步)为主,AST、ALT、CK、CK-MB及肌红蛋白等肌酶水平均明显升高。通过组合的高通量检测技术等检查DMD基因情况,结果多为缺失突变,共12例(80.0%),其中大片重复缺失突变10例(66.7%),点突变2例(13.3%);错义突变1例(6.6%);插入突变1例(6.6%);无义突变1例(6.6%)。其中7例(46.7%)患儿母亲进行了相关基因检测,4例患儿母亲为该基因突变点携带者。而根据ACMG变异类型,15例患儿中13例(86.7%)为致病突变,2例(13.3%)为疑似致病突变。同时15例病例中有2例暂无相关文献报道过。所有的突变可发生在基因的任何位置,但缺失的热点区域位于基因的中央区外显子45～55区共8例,占缺失突变的53.3%。结论...     

Family function in families of children with Duchenne muscular dystrophy

This article investigates the relationships of child- and family-related variables with family function in families with children who have Duchenne muscular dystrophy. Child-related variables included level of disability (indicator: Barthel Index) and age at diagnosis. Family-related variables included caregiver health status (indicator: Duke Health Profile), family income and employment, family support (indicator: Family APGAR), family hardiness (indicator: Family Hardiness Index), and family functioning (indicator: Family Assessment Device). Family function displayed a significant correlation with age at diagnosis, but not with disability level. It was also significantly correlated with family hardiness, caregiver health status, and levels of family support, but not with income or employment variables. These findings highlight the need to assist families to cope with the presence of serious illness in their children.     

Diagnosis of Duchenne muscular dystrophy: parents'experiences and satisfaction

The purpose of the study was to investigate parents' experiences of diagnosis of Duchenne muscular dystrophy. Data were collected retrospectively by postal questionnaire from the parents of 158 boys diagnosed at different times and locations and, for some, after lengthy periods of uncertainty. Most parents knew nothing about Duchenne before being given the diagnosis. There was considerable variation in parents' experiences but the only independent predictors of parents' satisfaction with how the diagnosis was given were obtaining the information that they wanted and feeling that they had understood and remembered it. What distinguishes Duchenne from, say, Down syndrome is that doctors are having to deliver a death sentence on a child. Our data show that this can be done in a way that is satisfactory to parents. What is required is empathy and sensitivity to parents' informational and emotional needs.     

A review of nutrition in Duchenne muscular dystrophy

Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD) is a recessive X linked genetic disorder characterised by progressive muscle weakness and reduced muscle tone. Affecting only boys, it limits life expectancy to approximately 20 years. A literature review was conducted using MEDLINE and the Cochrane Library, employing the term 'Duchenne muscular dystrophy'. A total of 1491 articles in English were recovered. These papers were searched thematically under the headings: body composition ( n  = 10), energy expenditure ( n  = 10), nutrition ( n  = 6), corticosteroid therapy ( n  = 55) and gene therapy ( n  = 199). Key dietetic practice points were identified relevant to nutritional management. Papers supporting these key themes were assigned a level of evidence and grade of recommendation. There is limited high-quality evidence to guide the nutritional management of boys with DMD. Currently, the majority of evidence is based on expert opinion and clinical expertise. Delayed growth, short stature, muscle wasting and increased fat mass are characteristics of DMD and impact on nutritional status and energy requirements. The early introduction of steroids has altered the natural history of the disease, but can exacerbate weight gain in a population already susceptible to obesity. Prior to commencing steroids, anticipatory guidance for weight management should be provided. Malnutrition is a feature of end stage disease requiring a multidisciplinary approach, such as texture modification and supplemental feeding. Micronutrient requirements are yet to be determined but, as a result of corticosteroid treatment, vitamin D and calcium should be supplemented. Some evidence exists supporting supplementation with creatine monohydrate to improve muscle strength. More research is needed to provide a higher quality of evidence for dietitians working within this area.     

Social/economic costs and health-related quality of life in patients with Duchenne muscular dystrophy in Europe

Objective

The aim of this study was to determine the economic burden from a societal perspective and the health-related quality of life (HRQOL) of patients with Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD) in Europe.

Methods

We conducted a cross-sectional study of patients with DMD from Bulgaria, France, Germany, Hungary, Italy, Spain, Sweden, and the UK. Data on demographic characteristics, healthcare resource utilization, informal care, labor productivity losses, and HRQOL were collected from the questionnaires completed by patients or their caregivers. HRQOL was measured with the EuroQol 5-domain (EQ-5D) questionnaire. Costs have been estimated from a societal perspective adopting a bottom-up approach.

Results

A total of 422 questionnaires were included in the study; 268 of which were collected from patients with DMD and 154 from caregivers. The average annual cost per person in 2012 ranged from €7657 in Hungary to €58,704 in France. Direct non-healthcare costs are the main component of whole costs and informal care is the main driver of non-healthcare costs. Costs are also shown to differ between children and adults. With regard to HRQOL of adult patients, the EQ-5D VAS score and EQ-5D index scores were 50.5 and 0.24, respectively. The corresponding EQ-5D VAS and EQ-5D index scores for caregivers were 74.7 and 0.71, respectively.

Conclusions

We have estimated the average annual cost per patient with DMD in eight European countries adopting a social perspective, and to our knowledge this is the first study with such a wide perspective. The results on costs show a considerable gap between Eastern and Western European countries. Non-healthcare costs range from 64 to 89 % of overall costs and informal care is to a great extent the main driver of this cost category. The HRQOL of people with DMD is much lower than that of the general population.

     

A review of quality of life themes in Duchenne muscular dystrophy for patients and carers

Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy (DMD) is a severe, life-limiting and incurable condition. However, studies estimating quality of life and those measuring actual quality of life in people living with DMD vary considerably. This discrepancy indicates potential difficulties with assessing quality of life using common generic quality of life instruments in this rare and unique population. This study sought to document the range of themes relevant to quality of life for people with DMD by examining the published literature and additionally to investigate the themes that are relevant to quality of life for carers and the wider family. Eligible studies for the review were primary studies of any study design that reported outcomes or themes relevant to quality of life for either people with DMD, their families, or both. A review of studies identified from searching medical bibliographic sources between 2010 and 2016 found 45 relevant published studies. A thematic framework is proposed to categorise the themes identified into: i. physical; ii. psychological; iii. Social; iv. well-being domains. A final “other” domain was included to encompass themes identified from the literature that are not covered by commonly used quality of life instruments. The rich variety of themes identified from the review highlights that DMD has a complex quality of life profile which is not currently captured by standard quality of life tools that are commonly employed in the healthcare setting. The findings also highlight that the resulting impact on the quality of life of carers and wider family of people with DMD requires consideration.     

杜氏肌营养不良儿童的运动功能与全身力量、年龄的相关性研究

目的 探讨杜氏肌营养不良(DMD)儿童的运动功能与全身肌肉力量及年龄的相关性,为更好地进行该病管理提供理论依据。方法 对2017年1月-2021年3月在深圳市儿童医院就诊且符合纳入标准的DMD患儿进行运动功能测试(MFM-32)、计时测试(仰卧站起测试、上4级阶梯测试、10 m走/跑测试)、Vignos评分、Brooke评分及全身的徒手肌力测试。采用Spearman相关性检验分析MFM各项分值与其他指标之间相关性,同时分析全身运动功能及肌力与年龄之间的关系。结果 共140名4~12岁DMD儿童患者被纳入研究,平均年龄(8.0±1.87)岁,MFM-32总分及D1区分值与下肢肌肉力量、计时测试、Vignos评分呈强-极强相关(r=-0.887~0.677,P<0.05);D2区分值与计时测试中等相关(r=-0.478~-0.423,P<0.05)),D3区的分值与其他指标不相关(P>0.05)。年龄与MFM-32总分及D1区分值、全身肌肉力量呈中等相关(r=-0.585~-0.468,P<0.05)),年龄与MFM-32 D2区分值不相关(P>0.05),与D3区呈弱相关(r=0.317,P<0.05)。结论 MFM-32的各项分值与全身肌肉力量、计时测试、Vignos评分及Brooke评分具有不同程度的相关性,可反映DMD患者的运动功能。儿童时期的DMD患者的下肢运动功能下降较明显,应首要加强其下肢运动功能及肌肉力量。     

One in five patients with Duchenne muscular dystrophy dies from other causes than cardiac or respiratory failure

European Journal of Epidemiology - Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD) is a severe neuromuscular disorder with increasing life expectancy from late teens to over 30&nbsp;years of age. The aim of...     

反义寡核苷酸治疗Duchenne型肌营养不良的研究进展

Duchenne型肌营养不良(DMD)是由抗肌萎缩蛋白基因Dystrophin发生移码突变导致的儿童遗传性致死性肌病。反义寡核苷酸(AON)靶向外显子中的剪接调控序列可以诱导Dystrophin基因的相应外显子跳读,以恢复dystrophin mRNA阅读框,是目前新的DMD治疗方法。该治疗方法的有效性已在患者来源的肌细胞及动物模型中得到证实。目前,AON靶向治疗DMD已经进入药物临床试验阶段。笔者拟对DMD的分子致病机制、AON治疗DMD的作用机制及其临床试验新进展进行综述,为AON在DMD治疗中的临床应用提供理论依据。     

The effect of caregiving on women in families with Duchenne/Becker muscular dystrophy

Duchenne/Becker muscular dystrophy (DBMD) is a disorder of progressive muscle weakness that causes an increasing need for assistance with activities of daily living. Our objective was to assess the psychosocial health and contributing factors among female caregivers in families with DBMD. We conducted a survey of adult women among families with DBMD in the United States (US) from June 2006 through January 2007, collecting data related to the care recipient, perception of caregiving demands, personal factors, and socio‐ecologic factors. Life satisfaction, stress, and distress were assessed as outcomes. Existing validated instruments were used when available. We received responses from 1238 women who were caring for someone with DBMD, 24.2% of whom were caring for two or more people with DBMD. Caregivers were more likely to be married/cohabitating than women in the general US population, and a high level of resiliency was reported by 89.3% of caregivers. However, the rate of serious psychological distress was significantly higher among caregivers than among the general population. Likewise, 46.4% reported a high level of stress, and only 61.7% reported that they were satisfied with their life. A high level of caregiving demands based on the Zarit Burden Interview (ZBI) was reported by 50.4% of caregivers. The post‐ambulatory phase of DBMD was associated with decreased social support and increased ZBI scores. In multivariate logistic regression modelling, life satisfaction was dependent on high social support, high resiliency, high income, and form of DBMD. Distress and high stress were predicted by low resiliency, low social support, and low income. Employment outside of the home was also a predictor of high stress. Interventions focused on resiliency and social support are likely to improve the quality of life of DBMD caregivers, and perhaps caregivers of children with other disabilities or special health care needs as well.     

The silent yet successful revolution of mechanical ventilation in patients with neuromuscular disorders, in particular Duchenne muscular dystrophy

While developments in molecular biology have been giving rise to breakthroughs in diagnosis, management and promising treatment approaches for neuromuscular disorders, there has been a silent revolution in ventilatory support of patients with a range of neuromuscular disorders with respiratory insufficiency. In a Dutch retrospective study on ventilatory support in 48 boys with Duchenne muscular dystrophy, a 5-year survival rate of 75% was found, with 67% of the patients still living with their relatives. These data are in line with reports from Great Britain. The significant impact of ventilatory support on the natural history of various neuromuscular disorders with respiratory insufficiency is a major breakthrough.     

Genetic epidemiology of Duchenne muscular dystrophy in Japan: classical segregation analysis

Classical segregation analysis was performed on 651 male probands in 597 families with Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD) collected from 20 of 25 National Institutions for Muscle Diseases in Japan. The proportion of sporadic cases is compatible with 1/3 expected for an X-linked lethal trait with an equal mutation rate in egg and sperm, the estimated mutation rates being 9.2 X 10(-5) and 10.9 X 10(-5)/gamete/generation, respectively. The incidence and prevalence among males were estimated to be 29.2 X 10(-5) and 6.7 X 10(-5), respectively. These results indicated no difference from the patterns of DMD in Western countries.