Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy (DMD) Treatment with a Difference: Combining Ancient Wisdom with Modern Science
Watching your child struggle to stand, walk, or move without pain is heartbreaking for you. Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy (DMD) is a progressive genetic disorder that weakens your child’s muscles over time.Â
Its symptoms start showing as early as two. And if not treated early, the child may become completely dependent soon. But there is hope in the form of treatments.Â
The Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy Treatment you choose should go beyond symptom management, as that will give temporary results. A doctor-guided combination therapy that brings together the best of traditional and advanced medicine.Â
If you are looking to reduce pain, delay disease progression, and help your child regain strength and movement, you can try a personalized treatment plan that maximizes treatment outcomes.
Let’s understand DMD and how you can give your child an independent life by choosing the right treatment.
What is Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy & what are its Causes?
DMD is a genetic condition caused by changes in the DMD gene that affect the production of dystrophin (a protein essential for muscle health). Without enough dystrophin, muscles weaken and gradually waste away. This condition primarily affects boys and typically begins showing symptoms between the ages of 2 and 3.
DMD is caused by a mutation in the DMD gene located on the X chromosome. The mutation may be inherited or occur spontaneously. This gene produces dystrophin, and without it, muscle fibers are damaged easily and cannot heal properly, because of which healthy muscle tissue is replaced by fat and scar tissue over time.
What are the Risk Factors of DMD?
People can inherit DMD if they have a family history of it. A child can also inherit it if their mother carries the genes for it.Â
Here, you need to understand that girls have XX chromosomes, and boys have XY chromosomes in most cases. Children with XX chromosomes have an equal chance of inheriting the mutated gene. However, they may not experience the severe symptoms of DMD because their other X chromosome will be fine to support them.Â
Now, let’s check the symptoms of Duchenne muscular dystrophy.
In short, these are the risk factors for DMD:
- Family history of DMD
- Female carriers of the DMD gene may pass it to their children
- 30% of cases occur due to spontaneous mutation
What are the Symptoms of Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy?
You will see the symptoms of Duchenne muscular dystrophy at the early age of two to three. It can start in infancy, and as the child grows, you start to see the symptoms slowly.
The common symptoms of DMD are
- Slow weakening and loss of muscle will happen in the child’s legs and pelvis. But it will be less severe in their neck, arm, and other partsÂ
- Fatigue
- There can be an increase in the calf muscle size
- Difficulty in walking, and it deteriorates with time
- Repeated fall
- Walking with toes
- Difficulty in climbing stairs
- Walk with a limp or a duck-like walk
- Breathing problems and shortness of breath
- Short height
- Spine curvature in advanced stages
How is DMD Diagnosed?
If your child’s doctor suspects DMD, they will prescribe the following tests to you:
The doctor would take a blood test of your child to check creatinine kinase. They will do it because when your muscles are damaged, they release a compound called creatinine kinase. An increase in this compound means your child may have DMD. It can be 10 to 20 times more than the normal levels of creatinine kinase.
Doctors may also use the blood test to confirm whether there is a change in your child’s dystrophin gene that causes DMD. A female child’s gene test is done to confirm whether she carries this gene.
An EKG is an easy way to diagnose whether your child has a heart problem. In the case of DMD, the doctors will check the characteristic signs of DMD and your child’s heart condition. In DMD, the heart gets affected, and there can be cardiac fibrosis (excess buildup of material outside the cells in the heart muscle), arrhythmias (irregular heartbeats), and heart failure.
The doctors will use a needle to extract a piece of your child’s muscle from the affected area, and then they will examine it under a microscope to check if it has signs of DMD.
What are the Treatment Options for DMD?
There are different types of treatment options available for DMD in India. Let’s check some of the best options available:
Stem Cell Therapy uses stem cells to treat Duchenne muscular dystrophy. Stem cells can turn into any type of cell in your body.Â
These cells can differentiate into various cell types, and they can regenerate or repair damaged muscle tissues affected by DMD.Â
The doctors will start the procedure by harvesting stem cells that they will get either from the patient or a donor. Then the stem cells are treated in a laboratory setting to enhance their muscle-regeneration capabilities.
These cells are reintroduced into the patient’s body after that. They target the muscles most affected by Duchenne muscular dystrophy.
Experts consider stem cell therapy one of the most promising treatments for Duchenne muscular dystrophy. This therapy has some great benefits
- Stem cells are found in your body
- It can be used at every age and stage of muscular dystrophy
- It can potentially treat DMD
- It boosts muscle strength
Exon Skipping is another treatment option for DMD, and its goal is to target the genetic mutation that causes DMD.Â
This treatment method makes the cell skip over a faulty part of the gene, which is known as an exon. An exon hampers the production of dystrophin protein, which is important for your muscle health.
This procedure is done using synthetic molecules that can cause exon skipping. Though it is not a cure for DMD, it gives significant relief from the symptoms.
Gene therapy is another way to treat DMD. In this process, a healthy version of the mutated gene is added directly to your muscle cells. The goal of this procedure is to help the cells produce dystrophin protein.
The problem with gene therapy and exon skipping is that they are very expensive procedures.
MedicoExperts’ Combination Therapy for Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy Treatment in India
Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy (DMD) affects each child differently, and the treatment should reflect that uniqueness. While conventional approaches like physiotherapy and steroids are widely used to manage symptoms, many families are now exploring integrative options that work alongside them.
At MedicoExperts, our combination therapy brings together modern science and traditional practices in a doctor-guided model. By carefully combining homeopathy, Ayurveda, and stem cell therapy, we focus on supporting muscle function, reducing inflammation, and improving energy levels in children with DMD.
This holistic method doesn’t replace conventional care, but it complements it. This doctor-supervised approach is to help your child lead a more active, comfortable, and independent life by improving overall wellness and slowing disease progression.
Want to know which combination will be the best for your child?
What is the Success Rate of DMD Treatment in India?
MedicoExperts have helped many children successfully treat Duchenne muscular dystrophy. More than 90% of these patients have shown significant improvement in muscle strength, mobility, hand function, stamina, body balance, and limb strength.
Here are some of our patients’ testimonials:
What is the Cost of DMD Treatment in India?
The cost of treating Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy (DMD) in India can vary based on the child’s specific needs and the treatment plan recommended by the doctor.
At MedicoExperts, the cost of combination therapy medicines will be between 5,000 INR and 15,000 INR.
If the patient needs therapies (like stem cell therapy, physiotherapy, ayurvedic, and homeopathic therapies), these are customized and can vary depending on the frequency, duration, and type of therapy chosen.
Since the treatment is highly personalized, the overall monthly cost can vary. After a detailed consultation, a tailored plan and a clear cost estimate will be provided to you.
Takeaway
Seeing your child suffer from Duchenne muscular dystrophy is not easy for you. But thankfully, you have MedicoExperts’ combination therapy as a solution to give your child a healthier life.
MedicoExperts can help your child with Duchenne muscular dystrophy live a life where they can move, walk, and do daily activities comfortably and easily. We will provide you with all the help you need, from travel and accommodation to treatment and aftercare.
To know more about our combination therapy, contact us today.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs):
Q1. What is the life expectancy for Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy?
People with DMD often die from the condition by the age of 25. However, stem cell therapy can not only give relief from the symptoms of DMD but also significantly enhance life expectancy.
Q2. What are Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy treatment guidelines in India?
Indian Association of Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation (IAPMR) has set some clinical practice guidelines for DMD treatment in India. They have made these guidelines to standardize rehabilitation and management of the condition in India.
Q3. How common is Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy?
The US sees the highest number of cases of DMD. It was around 16,765 cases in 2020.
Q4. What is the best treatment for Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy?
Stem cell therapy in India is one of the best treatments for DMD. It gives significant relief from the symptoms and enhances life expectancy, too.
Q5. How long does it take to treat DMD with stem cell therapy?
Depending on the number of stem cell therapy cycles it may need 12-45 days for the treatment in India.
Q6. Should I continue the current treatment along with stem cell therapy?
You should consult the team of specialists involved if you want to continue your current treatment along with stem cell therapy for DMD. You can contact our experts for online consultation to get more information.
Q7. What are the noticeable outcomes one can achieve with stem cell therapy?
You can expect the following outcomes after stem cell therapy
- Boost in strength and your core muscleÂ
- Better hand function
- Improved limb strength and balance
- Improvements in your walk
- Increased stamina
- Better core balance
Q8. Am I eligible for stem cell therapy for DMD?
Your child needs to be at least 2 years of age and they should have a minimum hemoglobin level of 10 grams to be eligible for stem cell therapy for DMD.
Q9. What makes combination therapy different?
Combination therapy brings together science-backed regenerative methods like stem cells, along with age-old wellness systems like Ayurveda and homeopathy. This blend aims to support muscle regeneration, reduce inflammation, and improve overall vitality, without replacing your doctor’s care plan.
Q10. Is combination therapy safe for children with DMD?
Yes, when supervised by qualified doctors and integrated appropriately, combination therapies are considered safe. At MedicoExperts, all treatment plans are personalized and overseen by a team of experts for maximum safety and efficacy.
- https://www.fda.gov/news-events/press-announcements/fda-approves-first-gene-therapy-treatment-certain-patients-duchenne-muscular-dystrophy
- https://www.fda.gov/news-events/press-announcements/fda-approves-first-gene-therapy-treatment-certain-patients-duchenne-muscular-dystrophy
- https://www.cell.com/molecular-therapy-family/nucleic-acids/fulltext/S2162-2531(23)00278-0#:~:text=Exon%2Dskipping%20therapy%20is%20a,dystrophin%2C%20leading%20to%20progressive%20cardiomyopathy
- https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4480531/
- https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK482346/#:~:text=A%20muscle%20biopsy%20will%20demonstrate,with%20adipose%20tissue%20and%20fat
- https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2452302X2100365X#:~:text=Duchenne%20muscular%20dystrophy%20(DMD)%20has,cardiac%20fibrosis%20associated%20with%20DMD
- https://www.webmd.com/children/duchenne-muscular-dystrophy
- https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/23538-duchenne-muscular-dystrophy-dmd
Next in Types of Muscular Dystrophy
Author Bio:
Dr. Khushbu Jain is a dedicated professional with a passion for advancing healthcare through cutting-edge treatments. She has a special interest in researching regenerative medicine and advanced treatment for diseases that are difficult to treat with conventional treatment options. Her deep understanding of these progressive treatments allows her to offer patients personalized and effective solutions for a variety of health concerns.
