Study of Clinical Features and Diagnosis Pattern of Duchene Muscular Dystrophy in Southern India

Background  Duchene muscular dystrophy (DMD) is an X-linked progressive muscle disorder that is characterized by proximal muscle weakness followed by a premature death in young boys. There is a low index of reports on diagnosis ratio and clinical features in Southern India. Objective  The present study aimed to conduct an observational survey on preliminary analysis, family history, associated complaints, and diagnosis ratio of DMD in southern regions of India. Materials and Methods  A systematic observation and survey were conducted on clinically confirmed DMD patients registered between 2019 and 2021 through the questionnaire. The questionnaire and pattern of study were identified by exploring published and unpublished studies available from electronic databases and critical assessment criteria considered by physicians. Preliminary analysis such as onset criteria, motor difficulties, milestone delay; family history and consanguinity analysis; chief complaints (ambulatory status, lordosis, respiratory, and cardiac outcomes), associated complaints such as enlarged tongue, oral hygiene, behavioral problems; and other similar parameters were studied. An assessment of the diagnosis rate and pattern was performed. Statistical analysis  The data were reviewed and interpreted through statistical methods mean ± standard deviation represented as a percentage. Results  In total, 400 DMD patients were included and 250 participated in the study. The onset age group was 2 to 5 years in 37% of the population. Milestone delay was seen in 86%; consanguinity marriage of parents was reported in 39%. Frequent falls were reported in 62% in 5 to 8 years old group. Wheelchair status was reported in 65% in 9 to 12 years old. Cervical and lumbar lordoses were seen in 57 and 69%, respectively, in above 13 years old. Respiratory and cardiac complications were 88 and 78% reported in above 13 years old, respectively. Other major associated complaints such as enlarged tongue were reported in 79%. Fifty-one percent underwent genetic diagnosis and 79% of the population underwent serum creatine phosphokinase (CPK) analysis for the confirmation of DMD. Conclusion  In this study population of South India, milestone delay was a major observation. Although there was a slight margin, family history shows "no blood relation among parents" in the majority of the study population. Chief complaints were predominantly severe above 13-year age group population. Serum CPK was the first choice for the first investigation, which is followed by a genetic diagnosis.