Pharmacy Clinical Pearl of the Day: Muscular Dystrophy

Clinical Pearl of the Day: Muscular Dystrophy (MD)

Muscular dystrophy is a group of diseases that cause progressive weakness and loss of muscle mass.

Insight:

• Affects approximately 1 in 3500 male births.
• Main symptom of MD is progressive muscle weakness. Other symptoms may include frequent falls, difficulty rising from lying position, gait, walking on the toes, large calf muscles, muscle pain, learning disability, and delayed growth.
• Treatment options may include corticosteroids, such as Emflaza; other newer agents, such as Exondys 51 and Vyondys 53; as well as angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors and beta blockers if the heart muscle is impacted or affected.
• Respiratory infections can become a problem in MD. It is very important to be vaccinated for pneumonia and to keep up to date with influenza shots.

Sources:

• Muscular dystrophy - Diagnosis and treatment - Mayo Clinic
• Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy - NORD (National Organization for Rare Disorders) (rarediseases.org)