Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy: This rare muscle disease can be fatal, effective treatment will be available soon

Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD) is one of the rare diseases affecting the quality of life. Normal functioning of life becomes very difficult for the sufferers of this problem which causes muscle weakness. Although its cases have been seen more in men, but in some cases women can also be affected by it. This problem is one of the most common and fatal types of muscular dystrophy, which is mainly caused by a deficiency in a protein called dystrophin. This protein helps in keeping the muscle cells healthy and in their development.

The researchers found that heredity is a major factor in the development of DMD. That is, people who have already had this disorder in their family may be at risk of developing it. Generally, its symptoms start appearing at the age of 2-4 years. There is no cure for it yet.

According to an estimate, the annual cost of long-term supportive treatment is up to Rs 2-3 crore. However, now the scientists of the country are doing research for specific treatment of this serious problem.

Indian scientists are doing research for treatment

Scientists from IIT Jodhpur, in collaboration with AIIMS Jodhpur and Dystrophy Annihilation Research Trust (DART) Bengaluru are researching for the treatment of this rare disease. Scientist working on the research, Surjit Ghosh explains, currently there is no specific treatment for DMD. For this, auxiliary treatment methods are used.

We are working towards developing a better and cheaper treatment method for this, which aims not only to increase the quality of life of the patients, but also to focus on prevention by reducing the risk of heredity.

Learn about Duchenne muscular dystrophy

Cases of Duchenne muscular dystrophy are quite rare. About 1 in 3,600 live births develop the condition. It is the most common type of severe hereditary myopathy (skeletal muscle disorder). In this condition, the muscles of the skeleton and the heart begin to weaken, which further weaken with time.

Scientists have classified it as a deadly disease. Most patients succumb to life-threatening lung or heart problems.

Such problems occur in Duchenne muscular dystrophy

This disease is mainly a problem of muscle weakness and reduction in muscle mass, the symptoms of which are visible in childhood itself. In this problem, there is less muscle mass in some parts while there is an increase in the size of the muscles in parts like the calf. There can be many types of problems due to such problems.

Since most cases of this disease are genetic, it is difficult to prevent them. About a third of people may have this problem even without a family history. After the diagnosis of the disease, an attempt is made to improve the symptoms through medicines and surgery as per the requirement. The quality of life can be improved to some extent through physiotherapy and exercise.

Researchers say that soon work is being done to provide effective and cheap treatment for this in India.