Parent Project Muscular Dystrophy is a nonprofit that aims to find a cure for Duchenne muscular dystrophy. One of their programs, the Certified Duchenne Care Center Program (CDCCP), has recently expanded to Texas. They certified the clinic at Children’s Health in Dallas and UT Southwestern Medical Center, bringing the second certified clinic to the Southwestern portion of the United States.
About Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy (DMD)
DMD is one of nine forms of muscular dystrophy and is characterized by progressive muscle weakness. It occurs when the body is unable to make dystrophin, which is due to an X-linked recessive mutation. Symptoms will manifest within the first six years of life, and they include frequent falling, fatigue, difficulty with motor skills, learning disabilities, issues with walking and moving positions, muscle weakness that starts in the legs and pelvis that progresses throughout the body, and eventually heart disease and respiratory failure. Doctors will use a variety of tests to diagnose this condition, including EMGs, muscle biopsies, CPKs, and genetic testing. After a diagnosis is obtained, treatment is aimed at slowing progression and managing symptoms. This includes steroids, heart medicine, assisted breathing, amino acid treatment, asthma medication, supplements like creatine, and physical and occupational therapy.
About the Care Center
The center at Children’s Health and UT Southwestern is the 29th facility to be approved to join the list of Certified Duchenne Care Centers. Those who created and work at this center have worked rigorously over the past few years to meet the standards of Parent Project Muscular Dystrophy.
This center treats about 300 muscular dystrophy patients, all of whom receive care from physicians of UT Southwestern. Not only are these children treated by some of the best doctors, but they have the chance to participate in clinical trials as the center is home to clinical research.
This new certification means that the center at UT Southwestern is meeting the highest possible standards for muscular dystrophy care. This information is reassuring to patients and their families.
Find the source article here.
