CDC Features

CDC Features

Duchenne/Becker Muscular Dystrophy

Photo: A boy in a wheelchair play a video game.

New data from four states show Duchenne/Becker Muscular Dystrophy prevalence ranged from 1.3/10,000 (1 in 7,692) to 1.8/10,000 (1 in 5,556) among males aged 5 to 24 years. Learn more about this rare genetic disorder.

Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD) is the most common form of muscular dystrophy in children. DMD is most often diagnosed when a child is 3 to 6 years of age and mainly affects males. Early signs include delay in walking, frequent falling, and difficulty getting up from a sitting or lying position. Muscles become weaker over time and children who have DMD usually become unable to walk by age 12. A milder form of the disease is known as Becker muscular dystrophy (BMD). Together, the two forms of the disease are referred to as Duchenne/Becker muscular dystrophy (DBMD). There are a few treatments that can help slow down weakening of the muscles, such as the use of steroids, but there is currently no cure for DBMD.

What Causes DBMD?

Duchenne/Becker muscular dystrophy is a genetic disorder. In 1987, researchers found the gene that causes DBMD. When there is a mutation in this gene, the body can not make a muscle protein called dystrophin. Without dystrophin, their muscles are not able to work properly and become weaker over time.

Learn more about the cause of DBMD.
Learn more about genes and mutations.

Who Has Duchenne/Becker Muscular Dystrophy?

Photo: A mother sitting next to her son in a wheelchair.

According to a new report, Prevalence of Duchenne/Becker Muscular Dystrophy Among Males Aged 5 – 24 Years --- Four States, 2007, DBMD affects approximately 1 out of every 5,556 to 7,692 males in four states: Arizona, Colorado, Iowa, and 12 counties in western New York. CDC and researchers from the Muscular Dystrophy Surveillance Tracking and Research Network (MD STARnet) analyzed data for males born during 1983-2002 that were reported to the MD STARnet from these four participating sites. The report showed that more than 90% of males with DBMD older than 15 years used wheelchairs. Nearly 60% of males with DBMD born during 1983-1987 (ages 20-24 years) had survived through 2007, emphasizing the need to develop and implement programs that address lifelong needs of males with DBMD.

What Is CDC Doing About DBMD?

In 2001, through the Muscular Dystrophy Community Assistance Research and Education Amendments of 2001 or the MD-CARE Act, Congress authorized CDC to develop public health programs related to muscular dystrophy. In response to this Act, CDC, along with key stakeholders in the muscular dystrophy community, have launched programs that focus on developing a DBMD tracking system, improving screening and diagnosis of DBMD, and improving services for people who have DBMD and their families.