In January 2005, the American Academy of Neurology (AAN) released its long-awaited report on the use of corticosteroids (prednisone or deflazacort) in Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD). The report is also published in the Jan. 11 issue of Neurology. It finds that corticosteroids are beneficial in DMD, but that some drawbacks to their use must be considered. To see the report for physicians and a version for families, visit  “Practice Guidelines” on the AAN website.

Download a printable PDF of this entire booklet

MDA has funded Duchenne muscular dystrophy research since 1950, and has paid for more research into this disease than any nongovernmental agency. It also provides the most comprehensive services program of any nonprofit organization in the country.

In December, the Section on Cardiology and Cardiac Surgery of the American Academy of Pediatrics published its recommendations for cardiac care in Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD) and Becker muscular dystrophy (BMD) and carriers of those dystrophies in its journal, Pediatrics.

Summary of the recommendations from the American Academy of Pediatrics:

MDA, in collaboration with the American College of Chest Physicians, has issued a consensus statement on management of patients with Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD) undergoing anesthesia or sedation.

The complete statement is published in the December 2007 issue of the journal Chest. A technical abstract and list of authors is available on the journal’s website. (The full paper requires a journal subscription.)

The Aug. 15, 2004, issue of the American Journal of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine, published by the American Thoracic Society (ATS), contains a set of guidelines about respiratory care in Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD) prepared by a special ATS working group. Members of this group are experts in DMD respiratory care, generally managing the respiratory care of patients being seen at Muscular Dystrophy Association (MDA) clinics.

A comprehensive set of clinical care recommendations for the diagnosis and management of Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD) is now available to medical professionals and families.

The complete recommendations, in printable PDF format, can be read here: