Medical Attitudes Survey for Female Dystrophinopathy Carriers in Japan

OBJECTIVE: This study attempted to clarify the current status of female dystrophinopathy carriers, including the numbers of patients, the status of genetic screening, the status of counseling, physicians' understanding, and barriers to registration. METHODS: We sent out questionnaires to 402 physicians registered in the Remudy dystrophinopathy registry. The total number of responses received was 130 (response rate: 32%). RESULT: In total, 1,212 cases of Duchenne muscular dystrophy, 365 cases of Becker muscular dystrophy, and 132 cases of female dystrophinopathy with a confirmed genetic mutation were encountered, and genetic testing was performed in the mother in 137, 23, and 12 cases, respectively. With respect to the risk of the onset of health problems, 25% of physicians always explained, 29% usually explained, 29% sometimes explained, and 13% never explained the risk to the mothers and female siblings of dystrophinopathy patients. The most common reason for not explaining the risk was a lack of knowledge/information. Thirty-five percent were familiar with the guidelines for testing the heart function of carriers. CONCLUSION: Fewer mothers of dystrophinopathy patients have undergone genetic testing in Japan than in other countries. A significant portion of doctors did not explain the risks of health problems due to a lack of knowledge. We hope this survey will lead to an increased discussion of female dystrophinopathy patients.