Research investigating the correlation between BMD and respiratory function among patients with advanced Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD) is lacking.

A new study published in PM & R aimed to determine whether pulmonary function parameters, including respiratory muscle strength is related to BMD.

This was a retrospective observational study conducted in a tertiary university hospital that recruited DMD patients – who were over 20 years of age, were non-ambulatory and supported by mechanical ventilators. Here, the patients age, weight and pulmonary function, as well as BMD of the first and fourth lumbar vertebrae were assessed.

The results revealed that the decrease in spine BMD did not significantly correlate to the age. However, body mass index (BMI) and all parameters of pulmonary function correlated to BMD. Additionally, it was noted that unassisted and assisted peak cough flow (UPCF and APCF) were powerful predictors of spine BMD.

Hence, it was inferred that BMD of the lumbar spine correlated to the BMI and PCF in DMD patients at an advanced stage.

Source: PM & R. 2020 Apr 18. doi: 10.1002/pmrj.12386.