Ankle-Foot Orthosis in Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy: A 4 year Experience in a Multidisciplinary Neuromuscular Disorders Clinic

Cardiac dysregulation in Duchenne muscular dystrophy: An ECG analysis

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE

Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy (DMD) is a progressive X-linked recessive disorder characterized by severe muscle degeneration and premature death, often due to cardiac complications. Despite the high prevalence of arrhythmogenic cardiomyopathy in DMD, the utility of Electrocardiogram (ECG) analysis in detecting subclinical cardiac dysregulation remains underexplored. This study aimed to investigate alterations in Lead II ECG parameters in children with DMD, potentially indicating an elevated risk of Sudden Cardiac Death (SCD).

METHODS

In this cross-sectional study, Lead II ECG recordings from 54 genetically confirmed DMD patients were compared against 31 age-matched healthy-controls. Parameters analyzed included PR interval, QRS duration, QT and QTc intervals, Tp-Te interval, and amplitudes of P, Q, R, S, and T waves. Analysis was conducted using LabChart Pro 8 software and the Hamilton-Tompkins QRS detection algorithm. Heart-rate-corrected QT interval (QTc) was calculated using Bazett's formula (QTc = QT/√RR). An independent samples t-test with a significance level of p < 0.05 was used for comparisons between groups.

RESULTS

The study revealed significant ECG alterations in the DMD group compared to controls, included a reduced PR interval, prolonged QRS and QT intervals, decreased QTc, and increased Tp-Te interval. Additionally, significant increases in P, Q, R wave amplitudes, and ST height were observed, indicative of atrial hypertrophy and potential ventricular arrhythmias.

CONCLUSIONS

Lead II ECG analysis in children with DMD demonstrates critical alterations suggestive of subclinical cardiac dysregulation, highlighting a potential non-invasive marker for early detection of cardiac involvement. These findings emphasize the importance of regular cardiac monitoring in DMD patients to mitigate SCD risk through timely interventions and underscore the need for further research into the underlying pathophysiological mechanisms.

Family Involvement and at-Home Physical Therapy on Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy: A Randomized Controlled Trial

BACKGROUND

Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD) is a genetic condition that causes muscle weakness and begins in early childhood. To treat its complications, the rehabilitation program includes physical therapy, mainly on the musculoskeletal and the respiratory complications that appear on the evolution of the disease. This study aims to explore the effects of physical therapy with or without an at-home program on motor function among children with DMD.

METHODS

A randomized controlled trial was carried out for one year (one group with at-home and conventional physical therapy and another with conventional physical therapy). Motor function was measured using the Motor Function Measure (MFM) scale, the Vignos and Brooke scales, the Timed-up-and-Go test, and the six-minute walk distance test.

RESULTS

Twenty-seven participants with DMD participated in this study. In the at-home and conventional physical therapy group, better motor function at the distal and global level was maintained, per the results of the MFM scale (P < 0.05). The rest of the variables did not achieve statistically significant changes.

CONCLUSIONS

Our results suggest that complementing conventional treatment with at-home treatment in which the family is involved maintains better motor function, in participants with DMD.

Orthopedic Interventions for Foot Deformities in Non-Ambulant People with Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy: A Retrospective Study on Indications, Post-Operative and Long-Term Outcomes

Background: Progressive equinovarus deformities are common in people with Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy (DMD); they may provoke pain, pressure spots, cause problems with wearing footwear, and may lead to an unstable sitting position. Objective: Explore indications and compare complications and long-term outcomes after soft tissue and osseous interventions in people with DMD. Methods: Retrospective, monocenter, longitudinal study. Data on indications, equinus and varus deformity before and after surgery, wound healing problems, pain, edema, and long-term outcomes were collected from medical files. Soft tissue interventions were compared with osseous interventions. Results: From a series of 18 patients, data on 32 surgical interventions and 169 follow-up visits were analyzed. ‘Footrest placement’ was the most frequent surgical indication, followed by pain. Osseous interventions were performed in older patients with rigid deformities. Directly after surgery remaining deformities were reported after soft tissue interventions (18 %), no remaining deformities were reported after osseous interventions. Pain and edema were frequently present, especially after osseous surgery. Longitudinal follow-up showed that surgical interventions could lead to a neutral foot for a for more than 3 years on average years. Relapses of foot deformity occurred, especially the recurrence of varus deformity after osseous interventions. Conclusions: Surgical interventions can successfully lead to a neutral foot position for for more than 3 years on average. Soft tissue interventions appear to be superior to osseous corrections, considering the varus recurrence period and complications, and may be considered when feet are still (partly) correctable. Pain management and edema prevention should be anticipated before surgery. Future research on patient reported outcomes as well as evaluating the outcome of the initial indication is needed to further identify benefits.