Overview
This is a multicenter, longitudinal observational study aimed at characterizing the natural history of respiratory progression in adults with genetically confirmed Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD). The study will last 36 months and involve the retrospective and prospective collection of clinical, respiratory, motor, and genetic data from patients aged 18 years or older across 13 Italian centers.
Respiratory function will be assessed through spirometry, inspiratory pressure measurements, and sleep studies. In a subgroup of patients, diaphragm ultrasound will be used to evaluate diaphragmatic function. Blood samples will be analyzed to identify genetic modifiers and inflammatory biomarkers associated with disease progression.
The primary objective is to describe long-term respiratory progression in adults with DMD. Secondary objectives include validating new respiratory assessment methods, investigating the relationship between motor function, genetic factors, and respiratory decline, and identifying prognostic biomarkers.
The study aims to develop an open-source predictive algorithm to estimate individual risk of severe restrictive lung disease and respiratory failure requiring non-invasive ventilation, supporting personalized respiratory monitoring and clinical management.
Eligibility
Inclusion Criteria:
- Age ≥18 years.
- Genetically confirmed Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD).
- Not enrolled in interventional clinical trials.
- Signed informed consent for study participation and personal data processing.
Exclusion Criteria:
- Acute respiratory failure at enrollment.
- Severe cognitive impairment preventing study adherence (IQ \<45).
- Advanced heart failure (left ventricular ejection fraction \<30%).
- Failure to provide informed consent for study participation or personal data processing.
