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Muscular dystrophy

Description

Muscular dystrophy is the progressive degeneration of muscle function. The most common is a genetic form called Duchenne muscular dystrophy. Other types include spinal muscular atrophy (SMA), myasthenia gravis, and myotonic dystrophy.

Possible effects on growth

  • Because muscle strength gradually decreases, there is a change in a child's body composition over time. Overweight and obesity can become problems later in childhood and in adolescence because of changes in energy needs and physical activity levels.
   
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