Clinic receives certification for Duchenne muscular dystrophy

The expertise of the team that treats Duchenne muscular dystrophy at Lucile Packard Children’s Hospital Stanford has been recognized by a nonprofit organization.

The comprehensive neuromuscular clinic at Lucile Packard Children’s Hospital Stanford has been named a Certified Duchenne Care Center by Parent Project Muscular Dystrophy, a nonprofit organization that promotes research into Duchenne muscular dystrophy and optimal medical care for people with the disease.

The clinic is one of eight nationwide, and the first in California, to receive this distinction.

Duchenne muscular dystrophy is the most common fatal genetic disease diagnosed in childhood, with about 20,000 new cases worldwide per year. The disease, which affects mostly boys, causes progressive muscle weakness that leads to serious medical problems, particularly in the heart and lungs. Thanks to improvements in medical care for the condition, people with Duchenne can now live into their late 20s and beyond.

“We are honored that the Stanford Comprehensive Neuromuscular Program is being recognized as a PPMD Certified Care Center,” said pediatric neurologist John Day, MD, PhD, who leads the clinic. Day is professor of neurology and of pediatrics at the School of Medicine. “We look forward to linking arms with all PPMD Certified Centers to attain our common goal of optimizing care, which is the foundation for both successful research of future treatments and effective advocacy, so those with Duchenne can lead more fulfilling lives today.”

About Stanford Medicine

Stanford Medicine is an integrated academic health system comprising the Stanford School of Medicine and adult and pediatric health care delivery systems. Together, they harness the full potential of biomedicine through collaborative research, education and clinical care for patients. For more information, please visit med.stanford.edu.

2023 ISSUE 3

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