title: Clinic-based infant screening for duchenne muscular dystrophy: a feasibility study.
abstract: Purpose. The purpose of this study was to assess the desirability of Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD) screening, the effectiveness of the consent process, and the feasibility of conducting DMD screening in a pediatric office. Methods. Infant males who attended a 12-month routine well-child visit at a participating pediatric clinic were screened for DMD. Parents and providers completed post-screening questionnaires to assess their experiences with and attitudes toward screening. Results. A total of 264 male infants were screened for DMD. Approximately 78% of parents indicated support of voluntary DMD screening and 91% of providers were in favor of screening for DMD. About 75% of parents correctly answered three of five questions testing their knowledge of DMD screening. Conclusion. DMD screening is feasible in a pediatric office when conducted as part of a research study. Infant screening for DMD eventually could be offered in pediatric health care provider offices as an optional public health service outside of newborn screening.
authors.forename: Alissa
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Cyrus
authors.forename: Natalie
authors.initials: N
authors.lastname: Street
authors.forename: Sharon
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Quary
authors.forename: Julie
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Kable
authors.forename: Aileen
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Kenneson
authors.forename: Paul
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Fernhoff