[Duchenne-type muscular dystrophy: problems, early diagnosis, early treatment (author's transl)]

The aetiology and pathogenesis of the Duchenne-type muscular dystrophy (pseudohypertrophic muscular dystrophy) are still largely unknown. The possibilities of treating the disease are rather limited. Treatment is the more successful, the earlier diagnosis was possible, and the earlier treatment is initiated. The CK-Screening Test is an important aid for early diagnosis. The CK-Screening Test is also valuable for genetic consultation and advice, because it helps to identify women who are conductors or carriers of the disease. Current hypotheses on aetiology and pathogenesis are mentioned. Progress made in the fields of biochemistry, including enzyme histochemistry, and electron microscopy, raise hopes of finding more efficient therapeutic possibilities in the future. The many interests of patients with muscular diseases are being looked after by the European Alliance of Muscular Dystrophy Associations (EAMDA). Thirteen European associations are members of this organisation, including the German association "Bekämpfung der Muskelkrankheiten e.V." The number of sponsoring members of the EAMDA is at present about 300,000. 3 international congresses have already been held on the problems of muscular diseases. The fourth congress is scheduled to take place in Montreal in 1978.