Abstract
Our aim was to establish correlations between GSGC (Gait, Stairs, Gower, Chair) scores
and ultrasonographic (US) findings of rectus femoris muscle (RF) and to study correlation
between pulmonary function tests (PFT) and diaphragmatic muscles thickness in ambulatory
boys with Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD). Twenty-four ambulatory boys with DMD
were included. Their motor functions were assessed using GSGC scale. All the participants
underwent PFT. US was used to assess RF quantitatively (gray scale analysis) and semiquantitatively
(modified Heckmatt score) besides assessment of diaphragmatic muscle thickness. Patients
with grade IV modified Heckmatt scale had the worst functional performance compared
with grade III and II evidenced by having the highest total GSGC score (p < 0.01), worst gait, stairs climbing, chair rising scores, and the longest time for
rising from floor (p < 0.05). A significant positive correlation was detected between forced expiratory
volume in 1s/ forced vital capacity and right diaphragmatic muscle thickness. GSGC
score positively correlated with RF US findings (quantitative gray scale analysis).
GSGC score is a successful tool that could be used for clinical evaluation of patients
with DMD. Diaphragmatic US introduces an option for screening and monitoring of restrictive
respiratory pattern in patients with DMD after determining the reference values of
diaphragmatic muscle thickness in different ages.
Keywords Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy - GSGC scores - quantitative (gray scale analysis) - semiquantitative
Heckmatt grading scale - ultrasonographic diaphragmatic thickness
