Neurológia pre prax 1/2010

Palliative care in advanced muscular dystrophies

Muscular dystrophies are diseases characterized by progressive loss of muscle strenght, loss of respiratory muscle strenght and in DMD death from respiratory insufficiency. The majority of patients develop cardiomyopathy. An effective care plan for patients involve interdiciplinary approach: regular assessment of medical status, education for the patiens and family, nutritional counseling, physical therapy and rehabilitation, psychosocial services and end-of-life planning.

Keywords: palliative care, muscular dystrophies.