Longitudinal prospective observational study. This is a 24-month study with the possibility of extending the data time points. Initially baseline, then 12 and 24 months follow up studies will be completed.
Four cohorts are enrolled in this study. The target population is the cohort of genetically confirmed DMD/BMD female carriers (Cohort A). This cohort will consist of 150 DMD/BMD mothers who are somatic carriers of a mutation in the DMD gene. The data collected for this cohort will be compared to three control groups; Control Group B is a cohort of 50 DMD/BMD mothers who are NOT somatic carriers, Control Group C is a cohort of 50 age-matched healthy controls and Control Group D is a cohort of 25 genetically confirmed carriers who do not have an affected child. The inclusion of a Control Group B allows for a comparison to a group of mothers that share the emotional and cognitive burden of caring for an affected male without having the physical or cognitive risks of being a female carrier. The Control Group C offers robust data from an age-matched healthy cohort for purposes of comparison. Control Group D allows for comparison to a group of women that have the same physical or cognitive risks as the Cohort A female carriers, but do not have the same burden of care giving.
Study Type
OBSERVATIONAL
Enrollment
250
Confirmatory genetic testing for mutation in DMD gene (Carrier Status) for subjects in respective Cohorts
Nationwide Children's Hosptial
Columbus, Ohio, United States
Compromise of cardiac function based on Cardiac Magnetic Resonance Imaging
Cardiac function as compromised by evidence of scarring of cardiac muscles, particularly of the base of the left ventricle via cardiac MRI studies with gadolinium contrast.
Time frame: 2 years
Cardiac Function Assessment Treadmill SVO2
Stress on heart muscle measured by SVO2 (percentage of oxygen saturation in the blood of the pulmonary artery). SVO2 represents an average of all the venous oxygen saturation of major organs and tissues. This measure provides assessment of cardiopulmonary function and helps measure the degree of cardiac instability and can be an indicator of deterioration from normal.
Time frame: 2 years
Physical Therapy Assessments Maximum Voluntary Isometric Contraction Testing
MVICT measures strength of skeletal muscles by assessing the force generated by by individual muscles. The results can be compared to norms and deterioration can be assessed over time.
Time frame: 2 Years
Physical Therapy Assessments 6 Minute Walk Test
A timed test to assess distance walked in 6 minutes is very quantitative and can be assessed in comparison to normal controls. Deterioration over time can be clearly measured.
Time frame: 2 years
Physical Therapy Assessments ACTIVE-seated
Exploratory outcome quantifying upper extremity reaching ability using a custom-designed game telling how far the arm reaches in comparison to overall functional ability of the individual ability.
Time frame: 2 Years
Physical Therapy Assessments Time-to-Rise
A timed-test to measure ability to rise from the floor is quantifiable and measuring over time tells if there is loss of function.
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Time frame: 2 Years
Laboratory biomarkers - Creatine Kinase
CK levels are an indicator of muscle breakdown.
Time frame: 2 Years
Laboratory biomarkers - C-Reactive Protein
Pro-inflammatory marker indicating the degree of inflammation of muscle when there is muscle breakdown.
Time frame: 2 Years
Laboratory biomarkers - Interleukin-6
Pro-inflammatory marker indicating the degree of inflammation of muscle when there is muscle breakdown.
Time frame: 2 Years
Laboratory biomarkers - Cortisol levels
Hair cortisol levels measure stress levels as a means of understanding coping with disease.
Time frame: 2 Years
Cognitive Assessment
Cognitive function measured by Wechsler Abbreviated Scale of Intelligence (WASI) provides a possible tool to measure disease awareness and establish if IQ level correlates with disease-related stress.
Time frame: 2 Years
Caregiver Stress
Online self-report survey to assess stress burden on caregiver.
Time frame: 2 Years
Pulmonary function testing (PFTs)
Stable or improved FVC
Time frame: 2 Years