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DMD/BMD-79 EXONS DELETION/DUPLICATION ANALYSIS MLPA BLOOD
Genetic
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Genetic tests for Duchenne/Becker muscular dystrophy.
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DMD/BMD-79 EXONS DELETION/DUPLICATION ANALYSIS MLPA BLOOD
- Why is it done?
- Detects deletions and duplications in exons 1-79 of the DMD (dystrophin) gene using Multiplex Ligation-dependent Probe Amplification (MLPA) technique
- Confirms diagnosis of Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy (DMD) or Becker Muscular Dystrophy (BMD) in patients with clinical symptoms or elevated creatine kinase (CK) levels
- Identifies carrier status in females with family history of DMD/BMD
- Provides genetic information for family planning and genetic counseling
- Performed when patients present with progressive muscle weakness, elevated serum CK, or dystrophic muscle pathology on biopsy
- Typically ordered as early diagnostic test given high frequency of deletions/duplications accounting for 70% of DMD mutations
- Normal Range
- Normal Result: No deletions or duplications detected in the 79 exons analyzed; diploid copy number (2 copies) present for all probes
- Results reported as: 'No pathogenic deletions or duplications detected' or 'Normal copy number pattern'
- Abnormal Result: Deletion (copy number 0 or 1) or duplication (copy number 3 or higher) detected in one or more exons
- Copy number measurement: Relative peak heights in electropherogram compared to control probes; loss of signal indicates deletion, increased signal indicates duplication
- Heterozygous carrier in females: One normal allele and one deleted/duplicated allele detected
- Normal for females: No deletions/duplications or heterozygous pattern; normal for males: diploid copy number for all exons
- Interpretation
- Deletion detected in males: Confirms DMD or BMD diagnosis; severity depends on whether deletion maintains reading frame (BMD - usually milder) or disrupts reading frame (DMD - severe)
- Duplication detected in males: Results in DMD due to disrupted reading frame; typically causes progressive weakness similar to frameshift deletions
- Heterozygous deletion/duplication in females: May show variable clinical presentation ranging from asymptomatic to manifesting carrier status with mild to moderate symptoms
- Contiguous multi-exon deletions: More commonly detected (approximately 65% of all deletions); indicate larger genomic rearrangements
- Single exon deletions/duplications: Less common but clinically significant; may represent recurrent mutation hotspots
- De novo mutations: Occur without family history; represent new mutations in patient
- Inherited mutations: Family screening may show same mutation in mother (carrier) or other relatives
- Negative result with high clinical suspicion: May indicate point mutations, small indels, or regulatory mutations not detected by MLPA; sequence analysis recommended
- Dosage quotient (DQ) calculation: Ratio of patient probe peak to control probe peak compared to expected value; DQ 0.3-0.7 suggests heterozygous status, <0.3 suggests homozygous deletion
- Associated Organs
- Primary organ: Skeletal muscles; progressive degeneration and weakness most prominent
- Secondary involvement: Cardiac muscle; dilated cardiomyopathy common in DMD, leading to heart failure and arrhythmias
- Secondary involvement: Respiratory muscles; progressive weakness leading to respiratory insufficiency and need for ventilatory support
- Secondary involvement: Brain; subtle cognitive effects and learning difficulties in approximately 30% of DMD patients
- Associated condition - Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy (DMD): Severe form; onset typically 3-5 years age; wheelchair dependence by early teens; shortened life expectancy
- Associated condition - Becker Muscular Dystrophy (BMD): Milder form; onset typically 10-26 years; slower progression; may remain ambulatory into adulthood
- Potential complications: Cardiac arrhythmias, congestive heart failure, respiratory failure, spinal deformities, contractures, and intellectual disability
- Genetic inheritance: X-linked recessive; males predominantly affected; females as carriers or manifesting carriers
- Life expectancy impact: Early-onset DMD typically results in death by late teens to early 20s; BMD has significantly better prognosis
- Follow-up Tests
- DMD gene sequencing (exon-by-exon or full gene sequencing): Recommended if MLPA is negative but clinical suspicion remains high; detects point mutations and small indels
- Dystrophin protein analysis (Western blot or immunohistochemistry): Evaluates presence and size of dystrophin protein; helps predict disease severity
- Muscle biopsy with dystrophin staining: Confirms diagnosis histologically; shows muscle fiber degeneration and dystrophin localization pattern
- Serum creatine kinase (CK) measurement: Markedly elevated in DMD/BMD; useful for monitoring disease progression and response to therapy
- Electrocardiography (ECG): Assesses cardiac status; identifies arrhythmias and conduction abnormalities common in DMD
- Echocardiography (ECHO): Evaluates cardiac function; detects dilated cardiomyopathy; baseline assessment and periodic monitoring essential
- Pulmonary function testing (PFT): Assesses respiratory muscle function; tracks progression of respiratory compromise
- Neuropsychological testing: Evaluate cognitive function if intellectual concerns present; baseline assessment for future comparison
- Family genetic counseling and carrier testing: Female relatives tested to determine carrier status; important for reproductive planning
- Periodic monitoring: Regular assessments every 6-12 months for disease progression, cardiac involvement, respiratory function, and complications
- Biomarker testing (DUX4, MRI with edema analysis): Emerging tests for disease monitoring and tracking severity
- Fasting Required?
- Fasting requirement: NO
- Food and drink: No fasting required; patient may eat and drink normally before blood collection
- Medication: No specific medications need to be avoided; continue regular medications as prescribed
- Sample collection: Blood specimen obtained via venipuncture into EDTA (purple-top) tube or equivalent
- Sample volume: Typically 3-5 mL of whole blood required; verify with laboratory for specific requirements
- Sample handling: Maintain at room temperature; do not freeze; transport to laboratory promptly (typically within 24-48 hours)
- Patient preparation: No special preparation needed; routine venipuncture precautions apply
- Timing: Test can be performed at any time of day; no time-of-day restrictions
- Physical activity: No restrictions on physical activity prior to test; muscle activity does not affect DNA results
- Turnaround time: Typically 2-4 weeks depending on laboratory; complex cases may require longer for detailed analysis and interpretation
How our test process works!

