Transition of patients with Duchenne muscular dystrophy from paediatric to adult care: An international Delphi consensus study

Background

Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD) is a rare neuromuscular disorder characterized by a progressive decline in muscle function, leading to loss of ambulation, respiratory and cardiac failure, and ultimately death. Improvements in DMD management have increased patient life expectancy; therefore, there is a growing requirement for patients to transfer from paediatric to adult care services. There is also a need for clear recommendations to guide this process.

Aim

To establish international consensus guidelines regarding best practices for transitioning patients with DMD from paediatric to adult care and ensuring continuity of treatment.

Methods

Consensus statements were developed using the Delphi process and scored using the Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development and Evaluation (GRADE) system. The initiative was led by a steering committee (one non-voting chair and two voting members) who recruited 15 expert panellists to form the consensus group. Following an initial systematic literature search, the consensus group voted in three voting rounds. Round 1 (free-text responses to questions) and Round 2 (importance ranking of statements) were completed using an online survey. Round 3 (voting on final consensus statements) took place during a virtual consensus meeting.

Consensus statements

Consensus was reached on 48 statements covering the topics of transition planning, the transition process, post-transfer management, communicating with young people with DMD and supporting them with the transition to adult life.

Conclusion

These consensus statements provide guidelines for improving transition practices for young people with DMD and promoting continued care at a comparable standard in adulthood.