What is the Difference Between Duchenne and Becker Muscle Dystrophy?
🆚 Go to Comparative Table 🆚Duchenne and Becker muscular dystrophy are both caused by mutations in a protein called dystrophin, which is found primarily in skeletal and cardiac muscle. The primary difference between the two lies in the amount of functioning dystrophin protein present in the muscles:
- Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy (DMD): In DMD, functioning dystrophin is completely absent in muscle. This condition affects approximately 1 in 3,500 to 5,000 newborn males worldwide. Symptoms typically appear before age six and involve muscle weakness, especially in the hips and upper legs, frequent falls, and a waddling gait. The disorder worsens rapidly, and by adolescence, patients usually require a wheelchair.
- Becker Muscular Dystrophy (BMD): In BMD, there is some dystrophin present, although not enough for completely normal muscle function. This condition affects fewer males, typically occurring in less than 8/100,000 live male births. Symptoms usually appear later, after eight years of age, and are milder than those of DMD. Patients with BMD may continue to ambulate up until age 20 and then begin to have more difficulty. The disorder worsens more slowly than DMD.
Diagnosis for both conditions involves a combination of clinical features found during examination, family history, and supporting laboratory data, including genetic blood tests. There is currently no cure for either DMD or BMD, but treatments are available for patients with certain genetic mutations. The primary focus of treatment is to maintain strength, range of motion, and mobility for as long as possible, as well as managing heart-related complications.
Comparative Table: Duchenne vs Becker Muscle Dystrophy
Duchenne and Becker muscular dystrophies are both caused by mutations in the dystrophin gene, but they differ in their severity and impact on muscle function. Here is a table highlighting the main differences between the two:
| Feature | Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy (DMD) | Becker Muscular Dystrophy (BMD) |
|---|---|---|
| Dystrophin Level | Functioning dystrophin is completely absent in muscle | Dystrophin is present, but abnormal or in low concentrations |
| Severity | More severe, affecting boys almost exclusively | Less severe, affecting both boys and girls |
| Age of Onset | Usually appears in children between 3 and 5 years old | Later age of onset and slower clinical progression |
| Progression | Rapid muscle degeneration, regeneration, and fibrosis | Slower progression of muscle degeneration, regeneration, and fibrosis |
| Life Expectancy | Affected boys are usually wheelchair-bound by the age of 12 and die early in their third decade | A longer life expectancy compared to Duchenne |
Diagnosis for both conditions is based on a combination of family history, clinical features, and laboratory tests, including genetic blood tests and immunohistochemistry analysis of muscle biopsies.
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