The care of patients with Duchenne, Becker and other muscular dystrophies in the COVID-19 pandemic
Veerapandiyan, Aravindhan ; Wagner, Kathryn R. ; Apkon, Susan ; McDonald, Craig M. ; Mathews, Katherine D. ; Parsons, Julie A. ; Wong, Brenda L ; Eichinger, Katy ; Shieh, Perry B. ; Butterfield, Russell J. ... show 5 more
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COVID-19
pandemic
muscular dystrophy
BMD
DMD
consensus
recommendations
Analytical, Diagnostic and Therapeutic Techniques and Equipment
Congenital, Hereditary, and Neonatal Diseases and Abnormalities
Health Services Administration
Infectious Disease
Musculoskeletal Diseases
Nervous System Diseases
Telemedicine
Virus Diseases
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Abstract
The corona virus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic has resulted in the reorganization of healthcare settings affecting clinical care delivery to patients with Duchenne and Becker muscular dystrophy (DBMD) as well as other inherited muscular dystrophies. The magnitude of the impact of this public health emergency on the care of patients with DBMD is unclear as they are suspected of having an increased risk for severe manifestations of COVID-19. In this paper, the authors discuss their consensus recommendations pertaining to care of these patients during the pandemic. We address issues surrounding corticosteroid and exon skipping treatments, cardiac medications, hydroxychloroquine use, emergency/respiratory care, rehabilitation management, and the conduct of clinical trials. We highlight the importance of collaborative treatment decisions between the patient, family, and health care provider, considering any geographic or institution-specific policies and precautions for COVID-19. We advocate for continuing multidisciplinary care for these patients using telehealth.
Source
Veerapandiyan A, Wagner KR, Apkon S, McDonald CM, Mathews KD, Parsons JA, Wong BL, Eichinger K, Shieh PB, Butterfield RJ, Rao VK, Smith EC, Proud CM, Connolly AM, Ciafaloni E. The care of patients with Duchenne, Becker and other muscular dystrophies in the COVID-19 pandemic. Muscle Nerve. 2020 Apr 24. doi: 10.1002/mus.26902. Epub ahead of print. PMID: 32329920. Link to article on publisher's site