Opinion
Video
Author(s):
An expert discusses strategies to lower the age of Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD) diagnosis, emphasizing the importance of universal newborn screening with the testing of creatine kinase (CK) levels, clinician recognition of motor red flags such as the Gower sign, early neurology referrals, and incorporating CK level testing in cognitive delay evaluations to enable timely therapeutic intervention and improve long-term outcomes.
Summary for Physicians
Strategies to Lower Age of DMD Diagnosis
Early diagnosis of DMD is critical for timely intervention and better outcomes. Key strategies include the following:
Early identification allows for the prompt start of steroids, exon-skipping therapies, or gene therapy, significantly improving long-term prognosis.
Keep your finger on the pulse of neurology—subscribe to NeurologyLive for expert interviews, new data, and breakthrough treatment updates.