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Starnes JR, Xu M, George-Durrett K, Crum K, Raucci FJ, Spurney CF, Hor KN, Cripe LH, Husain N, Buddhe S, Gambetta K, Tamaroff J, Slaughter JC, Markham LW, Soslow JH. Rate of Change in Cardiac Magnetic Resonance Imaging Measures Is Associated With Death in Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy. J Am Heart Assoc 2024; 13:e032960. [PMID: 38686878 DOI: 10.1161/jaha.123.032960] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/01/2023] [Accepted: 03/19/2024] [Indexed: 05/02/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Cardiovascular disease is the leading cause of death among patients with Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD). Identifying patients at risk of early death could allow for increased monitoring and more intensive therapy. Measures that associate with death could serve as surrogate outcomes in clinical trials. METHODS AND RESULTS Duchenne muscular dystrophy subjects prospectively enrolled in observational studies were included. Models using generalized least squares were used to assess the difference of cardiac magnetic resonance measurements between deceased and alive subjects. A total of 63 participants underwent multiple cardiac magnetic resonance imaging and were included in the analyses. Twelve subjects (19.1%) died over a median follow-up of 5 years (interquartile range, 3.1-7.0). Rate of decline in left ventricular ejection fraction was faster in deceased than alive subjects (P<0.0001). Rate of increase in indexed left ventricular end-diastolic (P=0.0132) and systolic (P<0.0001) volumes were higher in deceased subjects. Faster worsening in midcircumferential strain was seen in deceased subjects (P=0.049) while no difference in global circumferential strain was seen. The rate of increase in late gadolinium enhancement, base T1, and mid T1 did not differ between groups. CONCLUSIONS Duchenne muscular dystrophy death is associated with the rate of change in left ventricular ejection fraction, midcircumferential strain, and ventricular volumes. Aggressive medical therapy to decrease the rate of progression may improve the mortality rate in this population. A decrease in the rate of progression may serve as a valid surrogate outcome for therapeutic trials.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joseph R Starnes
- Division of Cardiology, Department of Pediatrics Vanderbilt University Medical Center Nashville TN USA
| | - Meng Xu
- Department of Biostatistics Vanderbilt University Nashville TN USA
| | - Kristen George-Durrett
- Division of Cardiology, Department of Pediatrics Vanderbilt University Medical Center Nashville TN USA
| | - Kimberly Crum
- Division of Cardiology, Department of Pediatrics Vanderbilt University Medical Center Nashville TN USA
| | - Frank J Raucci
- Division of Cardiology, Department of Pediatrics Children's Hospital of Richmond at Virginia Commonwealth University Richmond VA USA
| | | | - Kan N Hor
- Division of Cardiology, Department of Pediatrics Nationwide Children's Hospital, Ohio State University Columbus OH USA
| | - Linda H Cripe
- Division of Cardiology, Department of Pediatrics Nationwide Children's Hospital, Ohio State University Columbus OH USA
| | - Nazia Husain
- Division of Cardiology, Department of Pediatrics Ann & Robert H. Lurie Children's Hospital of Chicago, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine Chicago IL USA
| | - Sujatha Buddhe
- Division of Cardiology, Department of Pediatrics Stanford University School of Medicine Stanford CA USA
| | - Katheryn Gambetta
- Division of Cardiology, Department of Pediatrics Ann & Robert H. Lurie Children's Hospital of Chicago, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine Chicago IL USA
| | - Jaclyn Tamaroff
- Division of Endocrinology and Diabetes, Department of Pediatrics Vanderbilt University Medical Center Nashville TN USA
| | | | - Larry W Markham
- Division of Cardiology, Department of Pediatrics Riley Hospital for Children at Indiana University Health Indianapolis IN USA
| | - Jonathan H Soslow
- Division of Cardiology, Department of Pediatrics Vanderbilt University Medical Center Nashville TN USA
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2
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Barthélémy I, Su JB, Cauchois X, Relaix F, Ghaleh B, Blot S. Ambulatory electrocardiographic longitudinal monitoring in a canine model for Duchenne muscular dystrophy identifies decreased very low frequency power as a hallmark of impaired heart rate variability. Sci Rep 2024; 14:8969. [PMID: 38637619 PMCID: PMC11026469 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-024-59196-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/28/2023] [Accepted: 04/08/2024] [Indexed: 04/20/2024] Open
Abstract
Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD) patients exhibit a late left ventricular systolic dysfunction preceded by an occult phase, during which myocardial fibrosis progresses and some early functional impairments can be detected. These latter include electrocardiographic (ECG) and heart rate variability (HRV) abnormalities. This longitudinal study aimed at describing the sequence of ECG and HRV abnormalities, using Holter ECG in the GRMD (Golden retriever muscular dystrophy) dog model, known to develop a DMD-like disease, including cardiomyopathy. Most of the known ECG abnormalities described in DMD patients were also found in GRMD dogs, including increased heart rate, prolonged QT and shortened PR intervals, ventricular arrhythmias, and several of them could be detected months before the decrease of fractional shortening. The HRV was impaired like in DMD patients, one of the earliest evidenced abnormalities being a decrease in the very low frequency (VLF) component of the power spectrum. This decrease was correlated with the further reduction of fractional shortening. Such decreased VLF probably reflects impaired autonomic function and abnormal vasomotor tone. This study provides new insights into the knowledge of the GRMD dog model and DMD cardiomyopathy and emphasizes the interest to monitor the VLF power in DMD patients, still unexplored in this disease, whilst it is highly predictive of deleterious clinical events in many other pathological conditions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Inès Barthélémy
- "Biology of the Neuromuscular System" Team, U955 IMRB, INSERM, Univ Paris-Est Créteil, 94010, Créteil, France.
- École Nationale Vétérinaire d'Alfort, IMRB, 7 Avenue du Général de Gaulle, 94700, Maisons-Alfort, France.
| | - Jin Bo Su
- Inserm U955-IMRB, UPEC, Ecole Nationale Vétérinaire d'Alfort, Créteil, France
| | - Xavier Cauchois
- "Biology of the Neuromuscular System" Team, U955 IMRB, INSERM, Univ Paris-Est Créteil, 94010, Créteil, France
- École Nationale Vétérinaire d'Alfort, IMRB, 7 Avenue du Général de Gaulle, 94700, Maisons-Alfort, France
| | - Frédéric Relaix
- "Biology of the Neuromuscular System" Team, U955 IMRB, INSERM, Univ Paris-Est Créteil, 94010, Créteil, France
- École Nationale Vétérinaire d'Alfort, IMRB, 7 Avenue du Général de Gaulle, 94700, Maisons-Alfort, France
| | - Bijan Ghaleh
- Inserm U955-IMRB, UPEC, Ecole Nationale Vétérinaire d'Alfort, Créteil, France
| | - Stéphane Blot
- "Biology of the Neuromuscular System" Team, U955 IMRB, INSERM, Univ Paris-Est Créteil, 94010, Créteil, France.
- École Nationale Vétérinaire d'Alfort, IMRB, 7 Avenue du Général de Gaulle, 94700, Maisons-Alfort, France.
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Bourke J, Tynan M, Stevenson H, Bremner L, Gonzalez-Fernandez O, McDiarmid AK. Arrhythmias and cardiac MRI associations in patients with established cardiac dystrophinopathy. Open Heart 2024; 11:e002590. [PMID: 38569668 PMCID: PMC10989184 DOI: 10.1136/openhrt-2023-002590] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/18/2023] [Accepted: 02/21/2024] [Indexed: 04/05/2024] Open
Abstract
AIMS Some patients with cardiac dystrophinopathy die suddenly. Whether such deaths are preventable by specific antiarrhythmic management or simply indicate heart failure overwhelming medical therapies is uncertain. The aim of this prospective, cohort study was to describe the occurrence and nature of cardiac arrhythmias recorded during prolonged continuous ECG rhythm surveillance in patients with established cardiac dystrophinopathy and relate them to abnormalities on cardiac MRI. METHODS AND RESULTS A cohort of 10 patients (36.3 years; 3 female) with LVEF<40% due to Duchenne (3) or Becker muscular (4) dystrophy or Duchenne muscular dystrophy-gene carrying effects in females (3) were recruited, had cardiac MRI, ECG signal-averaging and ECG loop-recorder implants. All were on standard of care heart medications and none had prior history of arrhythmias.No deaths or brady arrhythmias occurred during median follow-up 30 months (range 13-35). Self-limiting episodes of asymptomatic tachyarrhythmia (range 1-29) were confirmed in 8 (80%) patients (ventricular only 2; ventricular and atrial 6). Higher ventricular arrhythmia burden correlated with extent of myocardial fibrosis (extracellular volume%, p=0.029; native T1, p=0.49; late gadolinium enhancement, p=0.49), but not with LVEF% (p=1.0) on MRI and atrial arrhythmias with left atrial dilatation. Features of VT episodes suggested various underlying arrhythmia mechanisms. CONCLUSIONS The overall prevalence of arrhythmias was low. Even in such a small sample size, higher arrhythmia counts occurred in those with larger scar burden and greater ventricular volume, suggesting key roles for myocardial stretch as well as disease progression in arrhythmogenesis. These features overlap with the stage of left ventricular dysfunction when heart failure also becomes overt. The findings of this pilot study should help inform the design of a definitive study of specific antiarrhythmic management in dystrophinopathy. TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER ISRCTN15622536.
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Affiliation(s)
- John Bourke
- Department of Cardiology, NUTH NHS Hospitals Foundation Trust, Newcastle upon Tyne, UK
- John Walton Muscular Dystrophy Research Centre, Newcastle University, Newcastle upon Tyne, UK
| | - Margaret Tynan
- Department of Cardiology, NUTH NHS Hospitals Foundation Trust, Newcastle upon Tyne, UK
| | - Hannah Stevenson
- Cardiology Research, NUTH NHS Hospitals Foundation Trust, Newcastle upon Tyne, UK
| | - Leslie Bremner
- Cardiology Research, NUTH NHS Hospitals Foundation Trust, Newcastle upon Tyne, UK
| | | | - Adam K McDiarmid
- Department of Cardiology, NUTH NHS Hospitals Foundation Trust, Newcastle upon Tyne, UK
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4
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Gharibi S, Vaillend C, Lindsay A. The unconditioned fear response in vertebrates deficient in dystrophin. Prog Neurobiol 2024; 235:102590. [PMID: 38484964 DOI: 10.1016/j.pneurobio.2024.102590] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/28/2023] [Revised: 01/31/2024] [Accepted: 03/05/2024] [Indexed: 03/19/2024]
Abstract
Dystrophin loss due to mutations in the Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD) gene is associated with a wide spectrum of neurocognitive comorbidities, including an aberrant unconditioned fear response to stressful/threat stimuli. Dystrophin-deficient animal models of DMD demonstrate enhanced stress reactivity that manifests as sustained periods of immobility. When the threat is repetitive or severe in nature, dystrophinopathy phenotypes can be exacerbated and even cause sudden death. Thus, it is apparent that enhanced sensitivity to stressful/threat stimuli in dystrophin-deficient vertebrates is a legitimate cause of concern for patients with DMD that could impact neurocognition and pathophysiology. This review discusses our current understanding of the mechanisms and consequences of the hypersensitive fear response in preclinical models of DMD and the potential challenges facing clinical translatability.
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Affiliation(s)
- Saba Gharibi
- Institute for Physical Activity and Nutrition, School of Exercise and Nutrition Sciences, Deakin University, Geelong, Australia
| | - Cyrille Vaillend
- Université Paris-Saclay, CNRS, Institut des Neurosciences Paris-Saclay, Saclay 91400, France.
| | - Angus Lindsay
- Institute for Physical Activity and Nutrition, School of Exercise and Nutrition Sciences, Deakin University, Geelong, Australia; School of Biological Sciences, University of Canterbury, Christchurch 8041, New Zealand; Department of Medicine, University of Otago, Christchurch 8014, New Zealand.
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5
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Conway KM, Thomas S, Ciafaloni E, Khan RS, Mann JR, Romitti PA, Mathews KD. Prophylactic use of cardiac medications for delay of left ventricular dysfunction in Duchenne muscular dystrophy. Birth Defects Res 2024; 116:e2260. [PMID: 37850663 DOI: 10.1002/bdr2.2260] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/27/2023] [Revised: 09/21/2023] [Accepted: 09/25/2023] [Indexed: 10/19/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Epidemiological support for prophylactic treatment of left ventricular dysfunction (LVD) in Duchenne muscular dystrophy is limited. We used retrospective, population-based surveillance data from the Muscular Dystrophy Surveillance, Tracking and Research Network to evaluate whether prophylaxis delays LVD onset. METHODS We analyzed 455 males born during 1982-2009. Age at first abnormal echocardiogram (ejection fraction <55% or shortening fraction <28%) determined LVD onset. Prophylaxis was defined as cardiac medication use at least 1 year prior to LVD. Corticosteroid use was also coded. Kaplan-Meier curve estimation and Cox Proportional Hazard modeling with time-varying covariates describe associations. RESULTS LVD was identified among 40.7%; average onset age was 14.2 years. Prophylaxis was identified for 20.2% and corticosteroids for 57.4%. Prophylaxis showed delayed LVD onset (p < .001) and lower hazard of dysfunction (adjusted hazard ratio [aHR] = 0.39, 95%CL = 0.22, 0.65) compared to untreated. Compared to no treatment, continuous corticosteroids only (aHR = 1.01, 95%CL = 0.66, 1.53) and prophylaxis only (aHR = 0.67, 95%CL = 0.25, 1.50) were not cardioprotective, but prophylaxis plus continuous corticosteroids were associated with lower hazard of dysfunction (aHR = 0.37, 95%CL = 0.15, 0.80). CONCLUSIONS Proactive cardiac treatment and monitoring are critical aspects of managing Duchenne muscular dystrophy. Consistent with clinical care guidelines, this study supports clinical benefit from cardiac medications initiated prior to documented LVD and suggests further benefit when combined with corticosteroids.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kristin M Conway
- Department of Epidemiology, College of Public Health, The University of Iowa, Iowa City, Iowa, USA
| | - Shiny Thomas
- New York State Department of Health, Albany, New York, USA
| | - Emma Ciafaloni
- Department of Neurology, School of Medicine and Dentistry, University of Rochester Medical Center, Rochester, New York, USA
| | - Rabia S Khan
- Department of Pediatrics, UCLA Health Sciences, Los Angeles, California, USA
- Department of Pediatrics, Roy J and Lucille A Carver College of Medicine, The University of Iowa, Iowa City, Iowa, USA
| | - Joshua R Mann
- Department of Preventive Medicine, School of Medicine and John D. Bower School of Population Health, University of Mississippi Medical Center, Jackson, Mississippi, USA
| | - Paul A Romitti
- Department of Epidemiology, College of Public Health, The University of Iowa, Iowa City, Iowa, USA
| | - Katherine D Mathews
- Department of Pediatrics, Roy J and Lucille A Carver College of Medicine, The University of Iowa, Iowa City, Iowa, USA
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McDonald C, Camino E, Escandon R, Finkel RS, Fischer R, Flanigan K, Furlong P, Juhasz R, Martin AS, Villa C, Sweeney HL. Draft Guidance for Industry Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy, Becker Muscular Dystrophy, and Related Dystrophinopathies - Developing Potential Treatments for the Entire Spectrum of Disease. J Neuromuscul Dis 2024; 11:499-523. [PMID: 38363616 DOI: 10.3233/jnd-230219] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/17/2024]
Abstract
Background Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD) and related dystrophinopathies are neuromuscular conditions with great unmet medical needs that require the development of effective medical treatments. Objective To aid sponsors in clinical development of drugs and therapeutic biological products for treating DMD across the disease spectrum by integrating advancements, patient registries, natural history studies, and more into a comprehensive guidance. Methods This guidance emerged from collaboration between the FDA, the Duchenne community, and industry stakeholders. It entailed a structured approach, involving multiple committees and boards. From its inception in 2014, the guidance underwent revisions incorporating insights from gene therapy studies, cardiac function research, and innovative clinical trial designs. Results The guidance provides a deeper understanding of DMD and its variants, focusing on patient engagement, diagnostic criteria, natural history, biomarkers, and clinical trials. It underscores patient-focused drug development, the significance of dystrophin as a biomarker, and the pivotal role of magnetic resonance imaging in assessing disease progression. Additionally, the guidance addresses cardiomyopathy's prominence in DMD and the burgeoning field of gene therapy. Conclusions The updated guidance offers a comprehensive understanding of DMD, emphasizing patient-centric approaches, innovative trial designs, and the importance of biomarkers. The focus on cardiomyopathy and gene therapy signifies the evolving realm of DMD research. It acts as a crucial roadmap for sponsors, potentially leading to improved treatments for DMD.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Eric Camino
- Parent Project Muscular Dystrophy, Washington, DC, USA
| | - Rafael Escandon
- DGBI Consulting, LLC, Bainbridge Island, Washington, DC, USA
| | | | - Ryan Fischer
- Parent Project Muscular Dystrophy, Washington, DC, USA
| | - Kevin Flanigan
- Center for Experimental Neurotherapeutics, Department of Pediatric Medicine, St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, Memphis, TN, USA
| | - Pat Furlong
- Parent Project Muscular Dystrophy, Washington, DC, USA
| | - Rose Juhasz
- Nationwide Children's Hospital, Columbus, OH, USA
| | - Ann S Martin
- Parent Project Muscular Dystrophy, Washington, DC, USA
| | - Chet Villa
- Trinity Health Michigan, Grand Rapids, MI, USA
| | - H Lee Sweeney
- Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center within the UC Department of Pediatrics, Cincinnati, OH, USA
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7
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Soslow JH, Xu M, Slaughter JC, Crum K, Kaslow JA, George-Durrett K, Raucci FJ, Wilkinson JD, Cripe L, Hor K, Spurney CF, Markham LW. Cardiovascular Measures of All-Cause Mortality in Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy. Circ Heart Fail 2023; 16:e010040. [PMID: 37288563 PMCID: PMC10524475 DOI: 10.1161/circheartfailure.122.010040] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/24/2022] [Accepted: 03/30/2023] [Indexed: 06/09/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Cardiopulmonary failure is the leading cause of death in Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD). Research into DMD-specific cardiovascular therapies is ongoing, but there are no Food and Drug Administration-approved cardiac end points. To adequately power a therapeutic trial, appropriate end points must be chosen and the rate of change for these end points reported. The objective of this study was to evaluate rate of change for cardiac magnetic resonance and blood biomarkers and to determine which measures associate with all-cause mortality in DMD. METHODS Seventy-eight DMD subjects underwent 211 cardiac magnetic resonance studies analyzed for left ventricular (LV) ejection fraction, indexed LV end diastolic and systolic volumes, circumferential strain, late gadolinium enhancement presence and severity (global severity score, and full width half maximum), native T1 mapping, T2 mapping, and extracellular volume. Blood samples were analyzed for BNP (brain natriuretic peptide), NT-proBNP (N-terminal pro-B-type natriuretic peptide), and troponin I. Cox proportional hazard regression modeling was performed with all-cause mortality as the outcome. RESULTS Fifteen subjects (19%) died. LV ejection fraction, indexed end systolic volumes, global severity score, and full width half maximum worsened at 1 and 2 years while circumferential strain and indexed LV end diastolic volumes worsened at 2 years. LV ejection fraction, indexed LV end diastolic and systolic volumes, late gadolinium enhancement full width half maximum, and circumferential strain associated with all-cause mortality (P<0.05). NT-proBNP was the only blood biomarker that associated with all-cause mortality (P<0.05). CONCLUSIONS LV ejection fraction, indexed LV volumes, circumferential strain, late gadolinium enhancement full width half maximum, and NT-proBNP are associated with all-cause mortality in DMD and may be the best end points for use in cardiovascular therapeutic trials. We also report change over time of cardiac magnetic resonance and blood biomarkers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jonathan H Soslow
- Division or Pediatric Cardiology, Department of Pediatrics, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN 37232, USA
| | - Meng Xu
- Department of Biostatistics, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN 37232, USA
| | - James C Slaughter
- Department of Biostatistics, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN 37232, USA
| | - Kimberly Crum
- Division or Pediatric Cardiology, Department of Pediatrics, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN 37232, USA
| | - Jacob A Kaslow
- Division of Pediatric Pulmonology, Department of Pediatrics, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN 37232, USA
| | - Kristen George-Durrett
- Division or Pediatric Cardiology, Department of Pediatrics, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN 37232, USA
| | - Frank J Raucci
- Division of Pediatric Cardiology, Department of Pediatrics, Children’s Hospital of Richmond at Virginia Commonwealth University Health System, Richmond, VA 23298, USA
| | - James D Wilkinson
- Department of Pediatrics, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN 37232, USA
| | - Linda Cripe
- Division of Pediatric Cardiology, Nationwide Children’s Hospital and The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH 43205 USA
| | - Kan Hor
- Division of Pediatric Cardiology, Nationwide Children’s Hospital and The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH 43205 USA
| | - Christopher F Spurney
- Division of Cardiology, Children’s National Heart Institute, Children’s National Hospital, Washington, D.C. 20010, USA
| | - Larry W Markham
- Division of Cardiology, Department of Pediatrics, Riley Hospital for Children at Indiana University Health, Indianapolis, IN, USA
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Lupu M, Ioghen M, Perjoc RȘ, Scarlat AM, Vladâcenco OA, Roza E, Epure DAM, Teleanu RI, Severin EM. The Importance of Implementing a Transition Strategy for Patients with Muscular Dystrophy: From Child to Adult-Insights from a Tertiary Centre for Rare Neurological Diseases. CHILDREN (BASEL, SWITZERLAND) 2023; 10:959. [PMID: 37371191 DOI: 10.3390/children10060959] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/10/2023] [Revised: 05/16/2023] [Accepted: 05/23/2023] [Indexed: 06/29/2023]
Abstract
Progress in the field of muscular dystrophy (MD) using a multidisciplinary approach based on international standards of care has led to a significant increase in the life expectancy of patients. The challenge of transitioning from pediatric to adult healthcare has been acknowledged for over a decade, yet it continues to be a last-minute concern. Currently, there is no established consensus on how to evaluate the effectiveness of the transition process. Our study aimed to identify how well patients are prepared for the transition and to determine their needs. We conducted a descriptive, cross-sectional study on 15 patients aged 14 to 21 years. The patients completed a sociodemographic and a Transition Readiness Assessment Questionnaire (TRAQ). We also analyzed the comorbidities of these patients. Our study revealed that only 46.7% of the patients had engaged in a conversation with a medical professional, namely, a child neurologist, about transitioning. A total of 60% of the participants expressed having confidence in their self-care ability. However, the median TRAQ score of 3.6 shows that these patients overestimate themselves. We emphasize the necessity for a slow, personalized transition led by a multidisciplinary team to ensure the continuity of state-of-the-art care from pediatric to adult healthcare services and the achievement of the highest possible quality of life for these patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria Lupu
- Clinical Neurosciences Department, Peadiatric Neurology, Faculty of Medicine, Carol Davila University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 020021 Bucharest, Romania
| | - Mihaela Ioghen
- Clinical Neurosciences Department, Peadiatric Neurology, Faculty of Medicine, Carol Davila University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 020021 Bucharest, Romania
| | - Radu-Ștefan Perjoc
- Clinical Neurosciences Department, Peadiatric Neurology, Faculty of Medicine, Carol Davila University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 020021 Bucharest, Romania
| | - Andra-Maria Scarlat
- Clinical Neurosciences Department, Peadiatric Neurology, Faculty of Medicine, Carol Davila University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 020021 Bucharest, Romania
| | - Oana Aurelia Vladâcenco
- Clinical Neurosciences Department, Peadiatric Neurology, Faculty of Medicine, Carol Davila University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 020021 Bucharest, Romania
- Department of Paediatric Neurology, Dr Victor Gomoiu Children's Hospital, 022102 Bucharest, Romania
| | - Eugenia Roza
- Clinical Neurosciences Department, Peadiatric Neurology, Faculty of Medicine, Carol Davila University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 020021 Bucharest, Romania
- Department of Paediatric Neurology, Dr Victor Gomoiu Children's Hospital, 022102 Bucharest, Romania
| | - Diana Ana-Maria Epure
- Department of Paediatric Neurology, Dr Victor Gomoiu Children's Hospital, 022102 Bucharest, Romania
| | - Raluca Ioana Teleanu
- Clinical Neurosciences Department, Peadiatric Neurology, Faculty of Medicine, Carol Davila University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 020021 Bucharest, Romania
- Department of Paediatric Neurology, Dr Victor Gomoiu Children's Hospital, 022102 Bucharest, Romania
| | - Emilia Maria Severin
- Clinical Neurosciences Department, Peadiatric Neurology, Faculty of Medicine, Carol Davila University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 020021 Bucharest, Romania
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9
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Nandi D, Auerbach SR, Bansal N, Buchholz H, Conway J, Esteso P, Kaufman BD, Lal AK, Law SP, Lorts A, May LJ, Mehegan M, Mokshagundam D, Morales DLS, O'Connor MJ, Rosenthal DN, Shezad MF, Simpson KE, Sutcliffe DL, Vanderpluym C, Wittlieb-Weber CA, Zafar F, Cripe L, Villa CR. Initial multicenter experience with ventricular assist devices in children and young adults with muscular dystrophy: An ACTION registry analysis. J Heart Lung Transplant 2023; 42:246-254. [PMID: 36270923 DOI: 10.1016/j.healun.2022.09.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/21/2022] [Revised: 08/19/2022] [Accepted: 09/06/2022] [Indexed: 01/18/2023] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE Cardiac disease results in significant morbidity and mortality in patients with muscular dystrophy (MD). Single centers have reported their ventricular assist device (VAD) experience in specific MDs and in limited numbers. This study sought to describe the outcomes associated with VAD therapy in an unselected population across multiple centers. METHODS We examined outcomes of patients with MD and dilated cardiomyopathy implanted with a VAD at Advanced Cardiac Therapies Improving Outcomes Network (ACTION) centers from 9/2012 to 9/2020. RESULTS A total of 19 VADs were implanted in 18 patients across 12 sites. The majority of patients had dystrophinopathy (66%) and the median age at implant was 17.2 years (range 11.7-29.5). Eleven patients were non-ambulatory (61%) and 6 (33%) were on respiratory support pre-VAD. Five (28%) patients were implanted as a bridge to transplant, 4 of whom survived to transplant. Of 13 patients implanted as bridge to decision or destination therapy, 77% were alive at 1 year and 69% at 2 years. The overall frequencies of positive outcome (transplanted or alive on device) at 1 year and 2 years were 84% and 78%, respectively. Two patients suffered a stroke, 2 developed sepsis, 1 required tracheostomy, and 1 experienced severe right heart failure requiring right-sided VAD. CONCLUSIONS This study demonstrates the potential utility of VAD therapies in patients with muscular dystrophy. Further research is needed to further improve outcomes and better determine which patients may benefit most from VAD therapy in terms of survival and quality of life.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Scott R Auerbach
- University of Colorado Denver, Anschutz Medical Campus and Children's Hospital Colorado, Aurora, Colorado
| | - Neha Bansal
- Children's Hospital at Montefiore, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, New York
| | | | | | - Paul Esteso
- Boston Children's Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Beth D Kaufman
- Lucile Packard Children's Hospital, Palo Alto, California
| | - Ashwin K Lal
- Primary Children's Hospital, Salt Lake City, Utah
| | - Sabrina P Law
- Morgan Stanley Children's Hospital of New York-Presbyterian, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York, New York
| | - Angela Lorts
- Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center, Cincinnati, Ohio
| | | | - Mary Mehegan
- St. Louis Children's Hospital, St Louis, Missouri
| | | | | | | | | | | | - Kathleen E Simpson
- University of Colorado Denver, Anschutz Medical Campus and Children's Hospital Colorado, Aurora, Colorado
| | | | | | | | - Farhan Zafar
- Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center, Cincinnati, Ohio
| | - Linda Cripe
- Nationwide Children's Hospital, Columbus, Ohio
| | - Chet R Villa
- Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center, Cincinnati, Ohio
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10
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Is the fundamental pathology in Duchenne's muscular dystrophy caused by a failure of glycogenolysis–glycolysis in costameres? J Genet 2023. [DOI: 10.1007/s12041-022-01410-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/11/2023]
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11
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Duchenne muscular dystrophy patients: troponin leak in asymptomatic and implications for drug toxicity studies. Pediatr Res 2022; 92:1613-1620. [PMID: 34429516 PMCID: PMC8866537 DOI: 10.1038/s41390-021-01682-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/02/2021] [Revised: 07/20/2021] [Accepted: 07/27/2021] [Indexed: 12/30/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Cardiomyopathy is the leading cause of death in Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD), but studies suggest heart failure biomarkers correlate poorly with cardiomyopathy severity. DMD clinical trials have used troponin I (cTnI) as a biomarker of toxicity, but it is unclear if asymptomatic DMD patients have elevated cTnI. We longitudinally evaluated cTnI, brain natriuretic peptide (BNP), and N-terminal pro-BNP (NT-proBNP) in a DMD cohort. METHODS DMD patients were prospectively enrolled and followed for 3 years. Serum was drawn at the time of cardiac magnetic resonance (CMR). Normal biomarker values were derived from healthy subjects. Biomarkers were correlated with CMR markers. RESULTS All subjects were asymptomatic at the time of enrollment. Several DMD subjects had transiently elevated cTnI. Those with elevated cTnI were more likely to have late gadolinium enhancement on baseline CMR. NT-proBNP correlated with indexed left ventricular end diastolic and maximum left atrial volumes. Otherwise, standard cardiac biomarkers did not correlate with CMR markers of cardiomyopathy. CONCLUSIONS CTnI, BNP, and NT-proBNP do not correlate with CMR assessment of cardiomyopathy progression. A subset of DMD patients have asymptomatic cTnI leak of uncertain clinical significance, though of critical importance if cTnI is used to assess for cardiac toxicity in future drug trials. IMPACT Asymptomatic patients with Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD) exhibit transient troponin I leak. NT-proBNP correlated with indexed left ventricular end diastolic volume and indexed maximum left atrial volume. Other cardiac biomarkers did not correlate with cardiac magnetic resonance (CMR) markers of cardiomyopathy.
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12
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Starnes JR, Crum K, George-Durrett K, Godown J, Parra DA, Markham LW, Soslow JH. Novel Cardiac Imaging Risk Score for Mortality Prediction in Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy. Pediatr Cardiol 2022:10.1007/s00246-022-03040-6. [PMID: 36322201 PMCID: PMC10151437 DOI: 10.1007/s00246-022-03040-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/24/2022] [Accepted: 10/22/2022] [Indexed: 01/04/2023]
Abstract
Cardiovascular disease is the leading cause of death in patients with Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy (DMD), but there is significant cardiomyopathy phenotypic variability. Some patients demonstrate rapidly progressive disease and die at a young age while others survive into the fourth decade. Criteria to identify DMD subjects at greatest risk for early mortality could allow for increased monitoring and more intensive therapy. A risk score was created describing the onset and progression of left ventricular dysfunction and late gadolinium enhancement in subjects with DMD. DMD subjects prospectively enrolled in ongoing observational studies (which included cardiac magnetic resonance [CMR]) were used to validate the risk score. A total of 69 subjects had calculable scores. During the study period, 12 (17%) died from complications of DMD. The median risk score was 3 (IQR [2,5]; range [0,9]). The overall risk score applied at the most recent imaging age was associated with mortality at a median age of 17 years (IQR [16,20]) (HR 2.028, p < 0.001). There were no deaths in subjects with a score of less than two. Scores were stable over time. An imaging-based risk score allows risk stratification of subjects with DMD. This can be quickly calculated during a clinic visit to identify subjects at greatest risk of early death.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joseph R Starnes
- Division of Pediatric Cardiology, Department of Pediatrics, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, 2200 Children's Way, Nashville, TN, 37212, USA.
| | - Kimberly Crum
- Division of Pediatric Cardiology, Department of Pediatrics, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, 2200 Children's Way, Nashville, TN, 37212, USA
| | - Kristen George-Durrett
- Division of Pediatric Cardiology, Department of Pediatrics, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, 2200 Children's Way, Nashville, TN, 37212, USA
| | - Justin Godown
- Division of Pediatric Cardiology, Department of Pediatrics, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, 2200 Children's Way, Nashville, TN, 37212, USA
| | - David A Parra
- Division of Pediatric Cardiology, Department of Pediatrics, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, 2200 Children's Way, Nashville, TN, 37212, USA
| | - Larry W Markham
- Division of Cardiology, Department of Pediatrics, Riley Hospital for Children at Indiana University Health, 705 Riley Hospital Drive, Indianapolis, IN, 46202, USA
| | - Jonathan H Soslow
- Division of Pediatric Cardiology, Department of Pediatrics, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, 2200 Children's Way, Nashville, TN, 37212, USA
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13
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Woods WA, Harmon WG, Webb LW, Robinson GG, McCulloch MA. Emergency department care of patients with Duchenne muscular dystrophy. Am J Emerg Med 2022; 60:101-105. [PMID: 35933945 DOI: 10.1016/j.ajem.2022.07.056] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/11/2022] [Revised: 07/22/2022] [Accepted: 07/25/2022] [Indexed: 10/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Patients with Duchenne muscular dystrophy are living longer and are increasingly seen in Emergency Departments. Though the most common cause of death remains progressive respiratory failure, increased life expectancies have unmasked the significance of progressive myocardial dysfunction, now associated with nearly 40% of mortalities in the DMD population. Cardiac complications such as arrhythmias and cardiomyopathy are becoming ever more widely recognized. Emergency physicians may encounter DMD patients with untreated, undiagnosed or worsening of known heart disease. This review will initially familiarize the emergency physician with the pathophysiology and lifetime trajectory of care for these patients before describing specific emergency department evaluation and treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- William A Woods
- Department of Emergency Medicine, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA, United States of America; Department of Pediatrics, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA, United States of America.
| | - William G Harmon
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA, United States of America
| | - Lauren W Webb
- Department of Emergency Medicine, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA, United States of America
| | - Grant G Robinson
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA, United States of America
| | - Michael A McCulloch
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA, United States of America
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14
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Paramsothy P, Wang Y, Cai B, Conway KM, Johnson NE, Pandya S, Ciafaloni E, Mathews KD, Romitti PA, Howard JF, Riley C. Selected clinical and demographic factors and all-cause mortality among individuals with Duchenne muscular dystrophy in the Muscular Dystrophy Surveillance, Tracking, and Research Network. Neuromuscul Disord 2022; 32:468-476. [PMID: 35597713 PMCID: PMC9214635 DOI: 10.1016/j.nmd.2022.04.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/05/2021] [Revised: 04/22/2022] [Accepted: 04/27/2022] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
Population-based estimates of survival among individuals with Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD) living in the United States are lacking. It is also unclear whether the association between glucocorticoid use and all-cause mortality persists in the context of other common treatments (cardiac medication, cough-assist, bilevel positive airway pressure, and scoliosis surgery) observed to delay mortality. Among 526 individuals identified by the Muscular Dystrophy Surveillance, Tracking, and Research Network, the estimated median survival time from birth was 23.7 years. Current glucocorticoid users had a lower hazard of mortality than non-users. Individuals who ever had scoliosis surgery had a lower hazard of mortality than individuals who did not have scoliosis surgery. Individuals who ever used cough assist had a lower hazard of mortality than individuals who never used cough assist. Non-Hispanic Black individuals had a higher hazard of mortality than non-Hispanic White individuals. No differences in hazards of mortality were observed between ever versus never use of cardiac medication and ever versus never use of bilevel positive airway pressure. The glucocorticoid observation is consistent with the 2018 Care Considerations statement that glucocorticoid use continues in the non-ambulatory phase. Our observations may inform the clinical care of individuals living with DMD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pangaja Paramsothy
- Division of Birth Defects and Infant Disorders, National Center on Birth Defects and Developmental Disabilities, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, MS S106-3, 4770 Buford Hwy, Chamblee, GA 30341-3717, United States of America
| | - Yinding Wang
- McKing Consulting Corporation Consultant to Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 2900 Chamblee Tucker Rd. Building 10, Ste. 100. Atlanta, GA 30341, United States of America
| | - Bo Cai
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Arnold School of Public Health, University of South Carolina, 915 Greene Street, Suite 460, Columbia, SC 29208, United States of America
| | - Kristin M. Conway
- Department of Epidemiology, College of Public Health, The University of Iowa, 145 N Riverside Drive, CPHB, Iowa City, IA 52242, United States of America
| | - Nicholas E. Johnson
- Department of Neurology, Virginia Commonwealth University, 1101 East Marshall St., Richmond, VA 23059, United States of America
| | - Shree Pandya
- Department of Neurology, University of Rochester, 601 Elmwood Ave, Rochester, NY, 14642, United States of America
| | - Emma Ciafaloni
- Department of Neurology, University of Rochester, 601 Elmwood Ave, Rochester, NY, 14642, United States of America
| | - Katherine D. Mathews
- Departments of Pediatrics and Neurology, University of Iowa Carver College of Medicine, 200 Hawkins Dr. , Iowa City, IA 52242, United States
| | - Paul A. Romitti
- Department of Epidemiology, College of Public Health, The University of Iowa, 145 N Riverside Drive, CPHB, Iowa City, IA 52242, United States of America
| | - James F. Howard
- Department of Neurology, The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, CB#7025, Houpt Building, 170 Manning Drive, Chapel Hill, NC 27599-7025, United States
| | - Catharine Riley
- Division of Birth Defects and Infant Disorders, National Center on Birth Defects and Developmental Disabilities, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, MS S106-3, 4770 Buford Hwy, Chamblee, GA 30341-3717, United States of America
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15
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Diversity of Dystrophin Gene Mutations and Disease Progression in a Contemporary Cohort of Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy. Pediatr Cardiol 2022; 43:855-867. [PMID: 35064276 DOI: 10.1007/s00246-021-02797-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/28/2021] [Accepted: 11/24/2021] [Indexed: 01/14/2023]
Abstract
Abnormal dystrophin production due to mutations in the dystrophin gene causes Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy (DMD). Cases demonstrate considerable genetic and disease progression variability. It is unclear if specific gene mutations are prognostic of outcomes in this population. We conducted a retrospective cohort study of DMD patients followed at 17 centers across the USA and Canada from 2005 to 2015 with goal of understanding the genetic variability of DMD and its impact on clinical outcomes. Cumulative incidence of clinically relevant outcomes was stratified by genetic mutation type, exon mutation location, and extent of exon deletion. Of 436 males with DMD, 324 (74.3%) underwent genetic testing. Deletions were the most common mutation type (256, 79%), followed by point mutations (45, 13.9%) and duplications (23, 7.1%). There were 131 combinations of mutations with most mutations located along exons 45 to 52. The number of exons deleted varied between 1 and 52 with a median of 3 exons deleted (IQR 1-6). Subjects with mutations starting at exon positions 40-54 had a later onset of arrhythmias occurring at median age 25 years (95% CI 18-∞), p = 0.01. Loss of ambulation occurred later at median age of 13 years (95% CI 12-15) in subjects with mutations that started between exons 55-79, p = 0.01. There was no association between mutation type or location and onset of cardiac dysfunction. We report the genetic variability in DMD and its association with timing of clinical outcomes. Genetic modifiers may explain some phenotypic variability.
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16
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Cardiac Complications of Neuromuscular Disorders. Neuromuscul Disord 2022. [DOI: 10.1016/b978-0-323-71317-7.00003-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
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17
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Broomfield J, Hill M, Guglieri M, Crowther M, Abrams K. Life Expectancy in Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy: Reproduced Individual Patient Data Meta-analysis. Neurology 2021; 97:e2304-e2314. [PMID: 34645707 PMCID: PMC8665435 DOI: 10.1212/wnl.0000000000012910] [Citation(s) in RCA: 55] [Impact Index Per Article: 18.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/17/2021] [Accepted: 09/27/2021] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Background and Objectives Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD) is a rare progressive disease that is often diagnosed in early childhood and leads to considerably reduced life expectancy; because of its rarity, research literature and patient numbers are limited. To fully characterize the natural history, it is crucial to obtain appropriate estimates of the life expectancy and mortality rates of patients with DMD. Methods A systematic review of the published literature on mortality in DMD up to July 2020 was undertaken, specifically focusing on publications in which Kaplan-Meier (KM) survival curves with age as a timescale were presented. These were digitized, and individual patient data (IPD) were reconstructed. The pooled IPD were analyzed with the KM estimator and parametric survival analysis models. Estimates were also stratified by birth cohort. Results Of 1,177 articles identified, 14 publications met the inclusion criteria and provided data on 2,283 patients, of whom 1,049 had died. Median life expectancy was 22.0 years (95% confidence interval [CI] 21.2, 22.4). Analyses stratified by 3 time periods in which patients were born showed markedly increased life expectancy in more recent patient populations; patients born after 1990 have a median life expectancy of 28.1 years (95% CI 25.1, 30.3). Discussion This article presents a full overview of mortality across the lifetime of a patient with DMD and highlights recent improvements in survival. In the absence of large-scale prospective cohort studies or trials reporting mortality data for patients with DMD, extraction of IPD from the literature provides a viable alternative to estimating life expectancy for this patient population.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Micki Hill
- Department of Health Sciences, University of Leicester
| | | | - Michael Crowther
- Department of Medical Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Karolinska Institute
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18
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Chu X, Li J, Qiao C, Wang J, Wang Y, Jiang XC, You H, Xiao X, Wang B. Long-term effect of human mini-dystrophin in transgenic mdx mice improves muscle physiological function. FASEB J 2021; 35:e21628. [PMID: 33982338 DOI: 10.1096/fj.202100057rr] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/09/2021] [Revised: 04/12/2021] [Accepted: 04/13/2021] [Indexed: 11/11/2022]
Abstract
Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD) is a lethal genetic muscle disorder caused by recessive mutations in dystrophin gene, affecting 1/3000 males. Gene therapy has been proven to ameliorate dystrophic pathology. To investigate therapeutic benefits from long-term effect of human mini-dystrophin and functional outcomes, transgenic mdx mice (Tg-mdx) containing a single copy of human mini-dystrophin (∆hDys3849) gene, five rods (Rods1-2, Rods22-24), and two hinges (H1 and H4) driven by a truncated creatine-kinase promoter (dMCK) in a recombinant adeno-associated viral vector (rAAV) backbone, were generated and used to determine gene expression and improvement of muscle function. Human mini-dystrophin gene expression was found in a majority of the skeletal muscles, but no expression in cardiac muscle. Dystrophin-associated glycoproteins (DAGs) such as sarcoglycans and nNOS were restored at the sarcolemma and coincided with human mini-dystrophin gene expression at the ages of 6, 10, and 20 months; Morphology of dystrophic muscle expressing the human mini-dystrophin gene was improved and central nuclei were reduced. Myofiber membrane integrity was improved by Evans blue dye test. Improvement in treadmill running and grip force was observed in transgenic mice at 6 months. Tetanic force and specific force of tibialis anterior (TA) muscle were significantly increased at the ages of 6, 10, and 20 months. Pseudohypertrophy was not found in TA muscle at 10 and 20 months when compared with wild-type C57 (WT) group. This study demonstrated that the long-term effects of human mini-dystrophin effectively ameliorated pathology and improved the functions of the dystrophic muscles in the transgenic DMD mouse model.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiangyu Chu
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, USA.,Department of Orthopedics, Tongji Hospital, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Juan Li
- Division of Molecular Pharmaceutics, School of Pharmacy, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
| | - Chunping Qiao
- Division of Molecular Pharmaceutics, School of Pharmacy, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
| | - Jing Wang
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, USA.,Department of Neurology, Tongji Hospital, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Yiqing Wang
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
| | - Xian-Cheng Jiang
- Department of Cell Biology, SUNY Downstate Health Sciences University, Brooklyn, NY, USA
| | - Hongbo You
- Department of Orthopedics, Tongji Hospital, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Xiao Xiao
- Division of Molecular Pharmaceutics, School of Pharmacy, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
| | - Bing Wang
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
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19
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Florczyk-Soluch U, Polak K, Dulak J. The multifaceted view of heart problem in Duchenne muscular dystrophy. Cell Mol Life Sci 2021; 78:5447-5468. [PMID: 34091693 PMCID: PMC8257522 DOI: 10.1007/s00018-021-03862-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/28/2020] [Revised: 04/29/2021] [Accepted: 05/20/2021] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Dystrophin is a large protein serving as local scaffolding repetitively bridging cytoskeleton and the outside of striated muscle cell. As such dystrophin is a critical brick primarily in dystrophin-associated protein complex (DAGC) and in a larger submembranous unit, costamere. Accordingly, the lack of functional dystrophin laying at the root of Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD) drives sarcolemma instability. From this point on, the cascade inevitably leading to the death of myocyte begins. In cardiomyocytes, intracellular calcium overload and related mitochondrial-mediated cell death mainly contribute to myocardial dysfunction and dilation while other protein dysregulation and/or mislocalization may affect electrical conduction system and favor arrhythmogenesis. Although clinically DMD manifests as progressive muscle weakness and skeletal muscle symptoms define characteristic of DMD, it is the heart problem the biggest challenge that most often develop in the form of dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM). Current standards of treatment and recent progress in respiratory care, introduced in most settings in the 1990s, have improved quality of life and median life expectancy to 4th decade of patient's age. At the same time, cardiac causes of death related to DMD increases. Despite preventive and palliative cardiac treatments available, the prognoses remain poor. Direct therapeutic targeting of dystrophin deficiency is critical, however, hindered by the large size of the dystrophin cDNA and/or stochastic, often extensive genetic changes in DMD gene. The correlation between cardiac involvement and mutations affecting specific dystrophin isoforms, may provide a mutation-specific cardiac management and novel therapeutic approaches for patients with CM. Nonetheless, the successful cardiac treatment poses a big challenge and may require combined therapy to combat dystrophin deficiency and its after-effects (critical in DMD pathogenesis). This review locates the multifaceted heart problem in the course of DMD, balancing the insights into basic science, translational efforts and clinical manifestation of dystrophic heart disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Urszula Florczyk-Soluch
- Department of Medical Biotechnology, Faculty of Biochemistry, Biophysics and Biotechnology, Jagiellonian University, Kraków, Poland.
| | - Katarzyna Polak
- Department of Medical Biotechnology, Faculty of Biochemistry, Biophysics and Biotechnology, Jagiellonian University, Kraków, Poland
| | - Józef Dulak
- Department of Medical Biotechnology, Faculty of Biochemistry, Biophysics and Biotechnology, Jagiellonian University, Kraków, Poland
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20
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Lee S, Lee M, Hor KN. The role of imaging in characterizing the cardiac natural history of Duchenne muscular dystrophy. Pediatr Pulmonol 2021; 56:766-781. [PMID: 33651923 DOI: 10.1002/ppul.25227] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/28/2020] [Revised: 10/19/2020] [Accepted: 11/12/2020] [Indexed: 01/11/2023]
Abstract
Duchene muscular dystrophy (DMD) is a rare but devastating disease resulting in progressive loss of ambulation, respiratory failure, DMD-associated cardiomyopathy (DMD-CM), and premature death. The use of corticosteroids and supportive respiratory care has improved outcomes, such that DMD-CM is now the leading cause of death. Historically, most programs have focused on skeletal myopathy with less attention to the cardiac phenotype. This omission is rather astonishing since patients with DMD possess an absolute genetic risk of developing cardiomyopathy. Unfortunately, heart failure signs and symptoms are vague due to skeletal muscle myopathy leading to limited ambulation. Traditional assessment of cardiac symptoms by the New York Heart Association American College of Cardiology/American Heart Association Staging (ACC/AHA) classification is of limited utility, even in advanced stages. Echocardiographic assessment can detect cardiac dysfunction late in the disease course, but this has proven to be a poor surrogate marker of early cardiovascular disease and an inadequate predictor of DMD-CM. Indeed, one explanation for the paucity of cardiac therapeutic trials for DMD-CM has been the lack of a suitable end-point. Improved outcomes require a better proactive treatment strategy; however, the barrier to treatment is the lack of a sensitive and specific tool to assess the efficacy of treatment. The use of cardiac imaging has evolved from echocardiography to cardiac magnetic resonance imaging to assess cardiac performance. The purpose of this article is to review the role of cardiac imaging in characterizing the cardiac natural history of DMD-CM, highlighting the prognostic implications and an outlook on how this field might evolve in the future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Simon Lee
- Department of Pediatrics, The Heart Center, Nationwide Children's Hospital and The Ohio State University, Columbus, Ohio, USA
| | - Marc Lee
- Department of Pediatrics, The Heart Center, Nationwide Children's Hospital and The Ohio State University, Columbus, Ohio, USA
| | - Kan N Hor
- Department of Pediatrics, The Heart Center, Nationwide Children's Hospital and The Ohio State University, Columbus, Ohio, USA
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21
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Wittekind SG, Villa CR. Cardiac medication management in Duchenne muscular dystrophy. Pediatr Pulmonol 2021; 56:747-752. [PMID: 33647187 DOI: 10.1002/ppul.25175] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/04/2020] [Revised: 09/24/2020] [Accepted: 10/30/2020] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
There have been significant improvements in the skeletal muscle and respiratory care for patients with Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD) over the last two decades. This has resulted in longer expected survival as many patients will live into their 20s and 30s. This timeline has resulted in a greater proportion of patients experiencing heart failure and cardiac-related mortality. Herein, we describe the current indications for medical therapy for patients with DMD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Samuel G Wittekind
- The Heart Institute, Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center, Cincinnati, Ohio, USA
| | - Chet R Villa
- The Heart Institute, Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center, Cincinnati, Ohio, USA
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22
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Schramm J, Ito S, Frank LH, Spurney CF. Acute Chest Pain in Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy Patient With Anomalous Coronary Artery: An Etiologic Conundrum. JACC Case Rep 2021; 3:291-296. [PMID: 34317521 PMCID: PMC8310994 DOI: 10.1016/j.jaccas.2020.12.022] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/09/2020] [Accepted: 12/17/2020] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
A 14-year-old with Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD) developed chest pain with ST-segment elevation, elevated serum troponin, and progressive ventricular dysfunction. Multimodality imaging showed an anomalous right coronary artery from the left sinus of Valsalva with intramural course, but further diagnostic testing led to the diagnosis of acute presentation of DMD-associated cardiomyopathy. (Level of Difficulty: Beginner.).
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Affiliation(s)
- Jennifer Schramm
- Children’s National Heart Institute, Children’s National Hospital, Washington, DC, USA
- George Washington University School of Medicine and Health Sciences, Washington, DC, USA
| | - Seiji Ito
- Children’s National Heart Institute, Children’s National Hospital, Washington, DC, USA
- George Washington University School of Medicine and Health Sciences, Washington, DC, USA
| | - Lowell H. Frank
- Children’s National Heart Institute, Children’s National Hospital, Washington, DC, USA
- George Washington University School of Medicine and Health Sciences, Washington, DC, USA
| | - Christopher F. Spurney
- Children’s National Heart Institute, Children’s National Hospital, Washington, DC, USA
- George Washington University School of Medicine and Health Sciences, Washington, DC, USA
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