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 Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy(DMD)is a rare disorder but is very frequent affecting approximatly 1 in 3500 male births. this disorder is is usally reconized from ages three to six years of age. DMD is characterized by the wasting and weakness of muscles of the pelvic and the involvement of the muscles in the shoulder area. This disorder is proggressive and the individuals that are affected need a wheelchair by their teen age. DMD is caused by changes(mutation) of the gene in the short arm of the X chromosomes. DMD is caused by a error in the chromosomes. DMD is an autosomal dominate disorder. There are 30 other different disorders that make up the muscular dystrophies.

__ Description of DMD __: Where is the defect or mutation located?  The mutation is in the X chromosome. Symptoms:  clumsiness, frequent falling, trouble getting up, curvature of the spine, and muscle weakness These symptoms affect the victim physically Is DMD fatal? Yes people with DMD usually die before the age of 20. Where is DMD most commonly found? DMD is found in males.   ||  __How is DMD diagnosed?__ DMD can be diagnosed throught a physical exam, tests and through a family medical history. Some of the tests and exams may include: a muscle biopsy, DNA(genetic)testing, electromyography, a nerve condition test, and blood enzyme tests. You can detect if you have DMD before the symptoms begin. Prenatal testing can also be a way of testing males for this disorder. But most males get diagnosed with DMD between the ages of three and six. A person with this disorder may want to think about consulting a doctor before they think about having childern. Even though DMD is a disorder in males, women may be carriers. There are still tests under developement for carriers. __ Treatment: __ There is no cure for the disorder DMD. But medication and therapy are avalible to help slow down the progression of the disorder. Researchers are looking into potential muscle buildingmedicines to help slow down or even reverse the progression. Other trials are looking into dietary supplements creatine and glutamine on muscle energy production and storage. Symptoms can be relieved by exercise, physical therapy, rehabilitation devices, respiratory devices and surgery. The pros and cons of treatment are that the treatments may work to help slow down the progression. and the cons are that the treatments don't always work.
 * How common is DMD?  DMD is is affecting 1 of 3500 male births worldwide <span style="color: #92d050; font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif';">.

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__ Resources: __ Muscular Dystrophy Association 3300 E. Sunrise Dr. Tuscan, AZ 85718 USA Tel: 520-529-2000 Fax: 520-529-5300 Tel: 800-344-4863 Email: mad@msausa.org Internet: http://www.mdausa.org Society for Muscular Dystrophy Information International P.O. Box 4790 Bridgewater Nova Scotia, B4V 2X6 Canada Tel: 902-685-3961 Fax: 902-65-3962 Email: smdi@auracom.com Internet: []

"Muscular Dystrophy, Duchenne." __WebMD Children's Health Center - Kids health and safety information for a healthy child__. 03 Apr. 2009 []. "Muscular Dystrophy Diagnosis & Treatment." __WebMD - Better information. Better health.__ 03 Apr. 2009 [].

__Ask.com Search Engine - Better Web Search__. 03 Apr. 2009 <http://images.ask.com/duchenne+muscular+dystrophy>.