Constipation and Gut Transit in DMD Patients

Constipation and Gut Transit in Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy Patients

In this research study the investigators want to screen Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy (DMD) patients for signs and symptoms of constipation in patients over 18.

The investigators hypothesized:

• DMD patients have a high prevalence of constipation than in the general population.
• Prevalence of constipation will increase with age and with worsening functional status.

The following procedures will take place during the study.

Constipation Assessment:

• The patient will be asked to complete a questionnaire about any symptoms of constipation.
• A physician from the study team will perform an abdominal physical exam
• The patient will have routine x-rays that monitor for spine compression fractures. These films will also be used to assess stool content.

Clinical Information The following information will also be collected during the clinic visit ;

• Age at diagnosis and genetic mutation
• Age at loss of ambulation if applicable
• Medications
• Functional status

Inclusion Criteria:

• Patients with a diagnosis of Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy (based on clinical presentation and verified by compatible muscle biopsy or known dystrophin gene mutation).
• Age greater than or equal to 18 years old

Exclusion Criteria:

• None