Screening of male patients with autosomal recessive Duchenne dystrophy through dystrophin and DNA studies

Previously we estimated that about 2.5-4% of isolated male patients diagnosed as Duchenne dystrophy (DMD) may have the autosomal recessive form (AR-DMD). Such cases can be distinguished from X-linked DMD through the analysis of dystrophin. Fifty DMD patients from 47 families were investigated for dystrophin and DNA deletions. Based on our results, we estimate that the frequency of AR-DMD may be about 8-12% among male patients diagnosed as DMD in whom X-linked inheritance could not be confirmed through pedigree data, serum enzymes in female relatives or DNA studies. Such an estimate must be confirmed in a larger sample; however, it shows the importance of assessing dystrophin in all patients diagnosed as DMD in whom X-linked inheritance cannot be proved, since the distinction between these 2 forms has implications for genetic counseling.