About Duchenne

Duchenne muscular dystrophy is the most common fatal genetic disorder diagnosed during childhood. It is a progressive muscle disorder that causes loss of muscle function and independence. Duchenne affects approximately 1 in every 3500 boys, or 20,000 babies born each year worldwide. Because the Duchenne gene is found on the X chromosome, the disorder manifests primarily in boys. Duchenne affects families of every race and culture. It can occur during every pregnancy regardless of family history. Random spontaneous genetic mutation is the cause of Duchenne in nearly 35% of families affected. There are approximately 15,000 boys/young men diagnosed with Duchenne alive today in the United States.

Facts

• Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy is the #1 most common fatal genetic disorder diagnosed in childhood
• Duchenne affects 1 in every 3500 live male births
• Most children aren’t diagnosed until 3-5 years of age
• Life expectancy for those diagnosed is usually 20-30 years old
• There are 20,000 new cases each year worldwide
• There is NO cure