Dilemma in the Management of Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy in a Resource Limited Settings

  • Ahmadu Baba Usman Department of Paediatrics, Federal Medical Centre Yola. Adamawa State Nigeria
  • Pembi Emmanuel Adamawa State Ministry of Health, Yola. Adamawa State, Nigeria
  • Ovansa Emmanuel Onimisi Department of Paediatrics, Federal Medical Centre Yola. Adamawa State Nigeria
  • Adewale O. Oyinloye Department of Surgery, Federal Medical Centre Yola, Nigeria
  • Apollos Nachanuya Department of Paediatrics, Federal Medical Centre Yola. Adamawa State Nigeria
  • Auwal M. Abubakar Department of Surgery, Federal Medical Centre Yola, Nigeria
  • Haruna A. Nggada Department of Laboratory Services, Histopathology Unit, University of Maiduguri Teaching Hospital, Maiduguri, Borno State, Nigeria

Abstract

DOI: https://doi.org/10.3126/jnps.v38i2.19623

Duchene muscular dystrophy is an x-linked recessive genetic disorder which present with progressive muscle weakness in children. It is often complicated by child becoming wheelchair bound by age 12. This limitation on the child and lack of cure is a great burden on the child, family and the community. We present a case of an 11-year old boy who presented with a seven years history of progressive limb weakness. Examination revealed hyper-lordosis of the thora-columbar spine, hypertrophied calf muscles, weak lower limbs and waddling gait. Due to financial constraint, only histology was relied on for definitive diagnosis. He was counselled, placed on prednisolone and commenced physiotherapy. This case portrays the challenges associated with the management of a rare disease in resource constraint settings.

Keywords: Duchene Muscular dystrophy, Nigeria, Children  
Published
2019-05-23
Issue
Vol 38 No 2 (2018)
Section
Case Reports