Kennedy Krieger Institute, Baltimore, MD, announced the opening of the new Center for Genetic Muscle Disorders that will improve and expand services to individuals with muscle disorders such as muscular dystrophy and congenital myopathy in the Baltimore/Washington region and across the nation.

Children with genetic muscle disorders face loss of muscle mass and strength, though the rate of progression and symptoms vary according to the type of disease. Individuals with these disorders face a range of challenges, which may include declining quality of life, shortened life expectancies, and heart and breathing conditions. The collective expertise of the Center's staff provides these patients with a succinct and informed diagnosis and prognosis, as well as a unique perspective on how the disease will impact their day-to-day life.

"Our new Center serves an important need within the muscle disorders community," said Kathryn R. Wagner, MD, PhD, director of the Center for Genetic Muscle Disorders. "Unlike some facilities that may be unable to serve the adult population, our Center maintains a continuum of care for patients transitioning from childhood to adulthood and we can address all of the issues they may face."

Due to the collaboration between Kennedy Krieger's various programs, patients who visit the Center also have easy access to a variety of clinical services to help manage their symptoms and improve their quality of life, including physical therapy, occupational therapy, aquatic therapy and assistive technology. In addition, the Center is a Muscular Dystrophy Association (MDA) Clinic, giving patients direct access to a wide variety of MDA services such as support groups and equipment loan programs.

Another priority for the Center is playing an active role in research. While the genetic basis is known for most genetic muscle disorders, there are no cures and patients have few treatment options. Active participation in research programs will allow the Center to better serve patients by providing direct access to treatment clinical trials for which patients may be eligible.