Respiratory progression in adults with Duchenne muscular dystrophy: a long-term observational study
Official title: Respiratory Progression in Adult Patients With Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy: Natural History, Biomarker Identification, and Development of a Predictive Algorithm.
Run by Istituto Giannina Gaslini · NCT07879989 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study tests how respiratory function changes over three years in adults with genetically confirmed Duchenne muscular dystrophy.
Quick facts
| Study type | Observational |
|---|---|
| Ages | 18 Years and up |
| Sex | Men only |
| Enrollment | 150 (estimated) |
| Sponsor | Istituto Giannina Gaslini Academic / other |
| Locations | 13 sites (Bologna and 12 other locations) |
| Status | Recruiting |
| Started | September 9, 2025 |
| Main results expected | January 30, 2028 |
| Study ends | January 30, 2028 |
| Registry record updated | October 19, 2026 |
| Trial ID | NCT07879989 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
Is this trial a fit for you?
✓Likely a good fit
Ideal candidates are adults (18+) with genetically confirmed DMD who are not enrolled in interventional trials and can provide informed consent.
✕Probably not a fit
Patients with acute respiratory failure at enrollment, severe cognitive impairment, advanced heart failure, or those unable to consent may not benefit from this observational study.
A plain-English reading of the study's rules. Only the study team can confirm whether you qualify.
What this trial studies
This multicenter, longitudinal observational study will collect and analyze clinical, respiratory, motor, and genetic data from adults with DMD over 36 months. Researchers will use spirometry, inspiratory pressures, and sleep studies to track respiratory function, with diaphragm ultrasound in a subset to assess diaphragmatic function. Blood samples will be examined for genetic modifiers and inflammatory biomarkers that may relate to disease progression. The study aims to describe long-term respiratory progression and to validate new assessment methods, while exploring how motor function and genetic factors relate to respiratory decline.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, findings could improve understanding of how respiratory decline unfolds in adults with DMD and help tailor monitoring strategies and future interventions.
How similar studies have gone: Similar observational work in DMD and other neuromuscular diseases has provided valuable natural-history insights, though this study adds prospective, multi-center respiratory measurements and biomarkers.
Who can join: the full rules
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * Age ≥18 years. * Genetically confirmed Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD). * Not enrolled in interventional clinical trials. * Signed informed consent for study participation and personal data processing. Exclusion Criteria: * Acute respiratory failure at enrollment. * Severe cognitive impairment preventing study adherence (IQ \<45). * Advanced heart failure (left ventricular ejection fraction \<30%). * Failure to provide informed consent for study participation or personal data processing.
Where it's running
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Istituto delle Scienze Neurologiche di Bologna - IRCCS
Bologna, Italy Recruiting -
Associazione La Nostra Famiglia Eugenio Medea - IRCCS
Bosisio Parini, Italy Recruiting -
Fondazione Stella Maris - IRCCS
Calambrone, Italy Recruiting -
IRCCS Istituto Giannina Gaslini
Genova, Italy Recruiting -
Azienda Ospedaliera Policlinico Universitario "G. Martino"
Messina, Italy Recruiting -
Centro Clinico NeMO
Milan, Italy Recruiting
Show 7 more locations
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Fondazione Istituto Neurologico Carlo Besta - IRCCS
Milan, Italy Recruiting -
Università Vita Salute San Raffaele
Milan, Italy Recruiting -
Dipartimento di Neuroscienze DNS, Università di Padova
Padova, Italy Recruiting -
Fondazione Istituto Neurologico Nazionale Casimiro Mondino - IRCCS
Pavia, Italy Recruiting -
Università di Pisa
Pisa, Italy Recruiting -
Fondazione Policlinico Universitario Agostino Gemelli
Roma, Italy Recruiting -
Dipartimento di Neuroscienze Rita Levi Montalcini, Università di Torino
Torino, Italy Recruiting
Study contacts
- Study coordinator: Federica Trucco
- Email: malattieneuromuscolari@gaslini.org
- Phone: +39 010 5636 2912
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How to take part
- Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
- Check the official listing on ClinicalTrials.gov for the latest contact details and recruitment status.
- Contact the study coordinator or principal investigator to ask for pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.