What is the typical life expectancy for Duchenne muscular dystrophy in the later stages with standard care?

• A. 20-30 years
• B. 60-70 years
• C. 40-50 years
• D. 80+ years

Answer: (A)

Duchenne muscular dystrophy is a progressive disease that weakens skeletal, respiratory, and heart muscles. In the later stages, respiratory failure and cardiomyopathy are the main limiting factors for survival. Standard care—including respiratory support, airway clearance techniques, cardiac monitoring, and corticosteroids to slow progression—can extend life, but there is no cure. Because of this, the typical life expectancy with standard care falls into the 20s to early 30s. Some individuals may live longer with aggressive, ongoing support, but that’s less common, and ranges like 40s, 50s, or beyond are not the norm for the typical course.