Which is the most common type of muscular dystrophy?

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Multiple Choice

Which is the most common type of muscular dystrophy?

Duchenne muscular dystrophy is the most common muscular dystrophy in children. It usually starts in early childhood due to mutations in the DMD gene that leave dystrophin absent or nonfunctional. Dystrophin normally helps stabilize muscle fibers during contraction, so its loss leads to progressive proximal weakness, difficulty walking, a Gowers maneuver, and calf pseudohypertrophy. The condition is inherited in an X-linked recessive pattern, which explains why it predominantly affects boys. Becker muscular dystrophy is similar but milder and later in onset because dystrophin is partially functional, making it less common. Other muscular dystrophy types exist, but they are not as prevalent in the pediatric population.

Duchenne muscular dystrophy is the most common muscular dystrophy in children. It usually starts in early childhood due to mutations in the DMD gene that leave dystrophin absent or nonfunctional. Dystrophin normally helps stabilize muscle fibers during contraction, so its loss leads to progressive proximal weakness, difficulty walking, a Gowers maneuver, and calf pseudohypertrophy. The condition is inherited in an X-linked recessive pattern, which explains why it predominantly affects boys. Becker muscular dystrophy is similar but milder and later in onset because dystrophin is partially functional, making it less common. Other muscular dystrophy types exist, but they are not as prevalent in the pediatric population.

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