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Definition
By Mayo Clinic staffMuscular dystrophy (MD) is a group of inherited muscle diseases in which muscle fibers are unusually susceptible to damage. Muscles, primarily voluntary muscles, become progressively weaker. In the late stages of muscular dystrophy, fat and connective tissue often replace muscle fibers. Some types of muscular dystrophy affect heart muscles, other involuntary muscles and other organs.
The most common types of muscular dystrophy appear to be due to a genetic deficiency of the muscle protein dystrophin.
There's no cure for muscular dystrophy, but medications and therapy can slow the course of the disease.
- Muscular dystrophy: Hope through research. National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke. http://www.ninds.nih.gov/disorders/md/detail_md.htm. Accessed Oct. 27, 2009.
- Darras BT. Clinical features and diagnosis of Duchenne and Becker muscular dystrophy. http://www.uptodate.com/home/index.html. Accessed Oct. 27, 2009.
- Darras BT. Treatment of Duchenne and Becker muscular dystrophy. http://www.uptodate.com/home/index.html. Accessed Oct. 27, 2009.
- Harrison T. Muscular dystrophy. In: Ferri FF. Ferri's Clinical Advisor 2010. St. Louis, Mo.: Mosby; 2009. http://www.mdconsult.com/das/book/body/167174288-4/0/2088/428.html#4-u1.0-B978-0-323-05609-0..00022-8--s3715_8791. Accessed Oct. 27, 2009.
- Selcen D (expert opinion). Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minn. Nov. 8, 2009.
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, et al. Prevalence of Duchenne/Becker muscular dystrophy among males aged 5-24 years — Four states, 2007. Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report. 2009;58:1119.
- Kohler M, et al. Disability and survival in Duchenne muscular dystrophy. Journal of Neurology, Neurosurgery and Psychiatry. 2009;80:320.
