MPs call for newborn muscular dystrophy test

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A group of MPs is urging the government to allow the testing of newborn boys for a deadly muscle wasting disease.

Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD) affects one in every 3,500 newborn boys, and many will die before age 30.

Although a test exists, it is not used to check for the disorder at birth in the UK.

Opponents say the test is too unreliable and that with no effective treatment on offer, screening is inappropriate.

Duchenne muscular dystrophy can become fatal when it affects the muscles needed to breathe and pump blood around the body.

Those with the condition can need a wheelchair by the age of 10.

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/health-27204980
 
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