2, 3, 4, 5.
Loss of respiratory function is one of the most severe complications of
DMD. The involvement of chest wall and diaphragm muscles come out as
muscle fatigue and thoracic deformities demonstrated by a decreasing
Forced Vital Capacity (FVC) 1,6. Spirometry
is one of the leading tools for monitoring DMD, it is widely used and
easily accessible. The progressive decline in its parameters, especially
FVC and Peak Expiratory Flow (PEF), is an important indicator of
clinical deterioration 7.
Early diagnosis is able to prevent unfavorable outcomes at very young
ages. Unfortunately, delays in identifying DMD are common and can be
devastating for patients and their families. A study by Wong et al
(2015) found a time difference of 6 months to 4 years between the first
concerns about the child’s development and confirmation of DMD8,9. Late diagnoses can impair access to
corticosteroids, first-line drugs capable of altering the natural
history of the disease 9.
The purpose of this non-systematic review is evaluate the main aspects
of recognition, monitoring, and management of pulmonary changes in DMD.