Heart failure is the #1 threat to the health of children with Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy (DMD). We specialize in identifying, treating and preventing heart muscle problems (cardiomyopathies) in children with DMD. Our team takes a proactive approach to preventing cardiomyopathy before it develops. And if cardiomyopathy does develop in your child, our advanced therapies can help.
The Children’s Cardiomyopathy Foundation (CCF) designated Children's Health℠ as a Recognized Center of Care[1] , which means you can count on our experts to provide the best possible care and outcomes.
Our DMD cardiac team is a part of our Duchene Muscular Dystrophy Program, which offers the best possible care and services available to children with DMD. The DMD program is one of very few programs of its kind in the country. We are a certified Duchenne Care Center by the Muscular Dystrophy Association and the Parent Project Muscular Dystrophy.
Gold-standard care
Our certifications with the Muscular Dystrophy Association and the Parent Project Muscular Dystrophy recognize the excellence of the care we provide. These organizations develop care guidelines for children with DMD based on the latest research.
Family-focused support
We know your child’s new diagnosis can be overwhelming. That’s why we offer educational and emotional support to your family from day 1. This approach allows you to absorb information about your child’s condition before you make decisions about their treatment. Your family and our team work together to make a long-term plan for your child’s heart health.
All the care your child needs in one visit
Children with Duchenne’s Muscular Dystrophy have an assortment of health issues and need ongoing care from a variety of medical specialists. Our DMD program brings together doctors, nurses and therapists from cardiology, pulmonology, neuromuscular care and social work.
We ensure your child gets all the care they need on the same day and in the same place. And, if you have more than one child with DMD, we work to make sure your children’s appointments are on the same day.
Supporting your child into adulthood
As your child grows, we want them to know how best to care for their heart. We work to educate them on heart-healthy decision-making as soon as we start seeing them. We’ll work with you and your family to develop heart-healthy lifestyle habits.
As your child approaches adulthood, we work with our partners at UT Southwestern to transition them into adult care. Our commitment to your child’s future means we can get their adult care team all the information they need to help manage your child’s health going forward.
Combined expertise to help your child thrive
At Children’s Health, our combination of cardiology expertise and with DMD expertise sets us apart from other programs in the region. Our specialists know how to promote and protect your child’s cardiac health for as long as possible before DMD can cause heart problems.
We also know how to identify heart issues as soon as they show up so we can connect your child to experts in the Heart Center at Children’s Health. There, highly-trained pediatric cardiologists use the latest tools and technologies to keep a keen eye on your child’s heart health over time. Together, we won’t miss a beat.
