DMD is inherited in an X-linked pattern because the gene that can carry a DMD-causing mutation is on the X chromosome. Every boy inherits an X chromosome from his mother and a Y chromosome from his father, which is what makes him male. Girls get two X chromosomes, one from each parent.

Can males be carriers of muscular dystrophy?

Males who inherit or are born with a changed copy of the DMD gene will have DMD since they have a Y chromosome, and do not have back-up X chromosome. If a male with DMD were to have children, all of his daughters would be carriers and none of his sons would be affected.

Who is the carrier of muscular dystrophy?

DMD is inherited in a pattern called X-linked recessive. This means that almost all affected individuals with DMD are male, while females can be carriers. The son of a carrier mother has a 50 per cent chance of being affected, while the daughter of a carrier mother has a 50 per cent chance of being a carrier too.

How do I know if I am a DMD carrier?

Care Considerations for Carriers. Females carriers are usually not affected with Duchenne or Becker because they make enough of the dystrophin protein. However, they can have some symptoms of Duchenne, such as changes to heart function, mild muscle weakness, fatigue (a tired feeling), or cramping in their muscles.

How does a girl become a carrier?

A daughter will get either her mothers X chromosome with the hemophilia gene or her mothers X chromosome with the normal gene for clotting. If she gets the X chromosome with the hemophilia gene she will be a carrier. So a carriers daughter has a 50% chance of being a carrier.

Can you have children if you have muscular dystrophy?

Carriers may not have any disease symptoms but can have a child with the mutation or the disease. DMD carriers are at risk for cardiomyopathy. Although DMD often runs in a family, it is possible for a family with no history of DMD to suddenly have a son with the disease.

How common is it to be a carrier of DMD?

Each time a carrier mother has a son, there is a 50% chance (or 1 out of 2) that he will be affected with Duchenne, and each time a carrier mother has a daughter, there is a 50% chance (or 1 out of 2) that she will be a carrier.

What percent of females have DMD?

It is estimated that around 1 in 50 million girls have Duchenne. It may be rare, but it does happen.

What does a female carrier mean?

A carrier is a person who “carries” a genetic mutation in any of their genes that could be passed on to their children. Because the mutation for Duchenne is found on the X chromosome, only females can be carriers for the mutation on the gene that encodes for dystrophin protein.

Can two normal parents produce a hemophiliac son?

If the baby gets the Y chromosome from the father it will be a boy. The son can get from the mother either her X chromosome with the hemophilia gene or her X chromosome with the normal blood clotting gene. If the son gets his mothers X chromosome with the hemophilia gene he will have hemophilia.