Which type of muscular dystrophy has a longer life expectancy, Duchenne or Becker?

Becker muscular dystrophy typically has a longer life expectancy compared to Duchenne muscular dystrophy due to the differences in the genetic mutations and the resulting disease progression. Duchenne muscular dystrophy is caused by a complete absence of dystrophin, a protein essential for muscle function, which leads to rapid muscle degeneration and weakness. This condition often results in significant disabilities and complications, such as respiratory failure and cardiomyopathy, typically by the early to mid-twenties.

In contrast, Becker muscular dystrophy is associated with mutations that allow for some production of dystrophin, though it may be partially functional or present in reduced amounts. This often leads to a milder form of the disease and slower progression. Individuals with Becker muscular dystrophy can maintain some muscle function for a longer period of time, which contributes to a relatively longer life expectancy, often allowing some patients to work into their thirties or beyond.

This distinction in the disease severity and progression is crucial for understanding the outcomes and expectations for individuals diagnosed with these two forms of muscular dystrophy.