On June 8, 2024, the Rare Warriors of Bengal Association, Muscular Dystrophy Patients Welfare Society, and BharatMD hosted a groundbreaking event for Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy (DMD) patients. This unique Global Longitudinal Strain (GLS) 2D Echocardiography Camp was held at the pediatric cardiology department of Narayana Superspeciality Hospital Andul, guided by Dr. Amitabha Chattopadhyay and led by Dr. Rishika Mehta from 12 pm to 5 pm.
Addressing a Critical Need
Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy is a rare genetic disorder affecting only male children, leading to progressive muscle degeneration and weakness. Patients with DMD are particularly vulnerable to cardiac complications, making regular heart monitoring crucial. This camp aimed to provide essential cardiac evaluations to manage and mitigate potential heart-related issues in DMD patients.
Comprehensive Cardiac Assessments
During the camp, patients underwent thorough GLS echocardiographic assessments performed by expert cardiologists. This non-invasive diagnostic tool offers vital insights into heart function, facilitating:
- Early Detection: Identifying heart issues before symptoms appear.
- Disease Monitoring: Tracking the progression of cardiac conditions.
- Risk Stratification: Evaluating the severity of cardiac risk.
- Treatment Planning: Managing and treating any detected abnormalities.
Commitment to Patient Care
Ms. Bithika Ghosh, co-founder and director of Rare Warriors of Bengal Association, emphasized the importance of such initiatives. “We are committed to improving the quality of life for individuals with Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy. This GLS echocardiography camp is a vital initiative to ensure that our patients receive the best possible cardiac care, which is essential for their overall health and well-being,” she stated.
Future Prospects
The success of this camp marks a significant step forward in the care and management of DMD patients. By providing specialized cardiac evaluations, the organizers hope to set a precedent for similar initiatives, ensuring ongoing support and improved health outcomes for those affected by this challenging condition.
