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Published on: January 12, 2019
Gaps and Challenges in the Transition of Care in Neuromuscular Disorders With a Focus on Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy
Alessia Marcassoli1, Nethmi Rajapakse2, Erika Guastafierro1
1UOC Neurologia, Salute Pubblica, Disabilità, Fondazione IRCCS Istituto Neurologico Carlo Besta, Milano, Italy.
Insights
Transitioning Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy patients from pediatric to adult care requires improved multidisciplinary collaboration and patient-centered approaches. Addressing psychological and social needs is crucial for a successful transition into adult life.
Area of Science:
- Neurology
- Pediatrics
- Healthcare Management
Background:
- The transition from pediatric to adult healthcare presents significant challenges for patients with neuromuscular disorders, particularly Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy.
- This review examines the transition experiences of patients and families, focusing on daily life aspects.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the transition experience from pediatric to adult care for patients with Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy.
- To identify key factors influencing the transition process and patient well-being.
Main Methods:
- A comprehensive literature search was conducted across six major electronic databases (Medline, Embase, PsycINFO, CINHAL, Web of Science, SCOPUS) for studies published between January 2000 and December 2024.
- Qualitative synthesis was performed on 26 selected articles, analyzing data on transition processes, daily living activities, and interpersonal relationships.
Main Results:
- Patients and caregivers emphasize the need for enhanced multidisciplinary collaboration between pediatric and adult care teams.
- An adolescent-centered approach, encouraging direct patient-caregiver communication about health needs, is recommended.
- Psychological and social factors significantly impact the transition journey across various life domains.
Conclusions:
- The absence of structured transition guidelines leaves patients and families feeling unsupported.
- Transition programs must adopt a holistic approach, encompassing all life areas.
- Strategies to boost engagement in social, educational, and professional settings are vital for successful patient transitions.
Background:
Transition from pediatric to adult care in neuromuscular disorders represents a great challenge for both patients and their families, and especially for patients with Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy. This review aims to investigate the transition experience from pediatric to adult care of patients and their families, considering different aspects of daily life.
Methods:
Medline, Embase, PsycINFO, CINHAL, Web of Science, and SCOPUS electronic databases were searched to identify studies published from January 2000 to December 2024. From the initial 1955 research articles, 26 were finally included for qualitative synthesis. Studies reported information about transition process, activities of daily living, and relationships.
Results:
Our results show the need, as expressed by patients and caregivers, for multidisciplinary collaboration between pediatric and adult care settings, proposing the adoption of an adolescent-centered approach that prompts patients to share their perspectives on specific health needs directly with caregivers. The findings underscore the importance of also considering the psychological and social aspects that can influence the transition path across different areas of life.
Conclusions:
Without structured guidelines and indications, patients and families feel left alone during the transition process. Transition programs should consider all the life areas in which patients are involved, including strategies to improve engagement in social, educational, and professional settings.
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