The Muscular Dystrophy surveillance, racking, and Research Network (MD STARnet) was established in 2002 to conduct population-based surveillance and long-term follow-up of cases with Duchenne and Becker muscular dystrophies (DBMD); longitudinal surveillance for DBMD has been ongoing since 2004. In 2011, the MD STARnet was expanded to include cross- sectional surveillance for seven additional MDs (congenital, distal, Emery-Dreifuss, facioscapulohumeral, limb-girdle, myotonic, and oculopharyngeal). Our Iowa Site was one of four charter awardees for the MD STARnet in 2002 and was refunded in 2006 and 2011. As an MD STARnet site, we have successfully integrated clinical, programmatic, and referral resources provided by key partners in Iowa, such as the Iowa Neuromuscular Program, with the active, population-based resources of the Iowa Registry for Congenital and Inherited Disorders to conduct longitudinal surveillance of DBMD and cross-sectional surveillance for the additional MDs. Also, our partnership with the Reproductive Molecular Epidemiology Research and Education Program at The University of Iowa has provided experienced investigators to conduct data analyses and publish MD STARnet data. Overall, our infrastructure in Iowa now serves to advance knowledge about the prevalence of MD, clinical care for and co-morbidities diagnosed among MD cases, and the influence of family characteristics and social support on clinical outcomes. We propose to use our highly skilled and successful team to expand surveillance and research activities for MDs and to include additional, selected neuromuscular diseases (NMDs), specifically congenital myopathies, spinal muscle atrophy, Pompe disease and Charcot-Marie- Tooth disease. To accomplish this, we aim to: 1) build new and maintain existing relationships with MD and other NMD partners to enhance and promote surveillance efforts; 2) conduct longitudinal, population-based surveillance and research for all MDs by reviewing medical records and accessing administrative data; 3) pilot longitudinal surveillance for additional, selected NMDs; 4) develop and implement a communications plan to disseminate surveillance and research results to partners, patients, and policy makers to improve access to services and care; and 5) collaborate with CDC and other grantees to develop and implement an evaluation plan for the multi-site surveillance system. Using our proposed, population-based approach, we can gain increased insights into the epidemiology of MD and these additional NMDs and their complications. The data collected can also aid in providing treatment and support options beneficial to affected individuals and their families.

Public Health Relevance

The Iowa Site will continue its leadership role in longitudinal surveillance and research for muscular dystrophies (MDs) and expand such activities to include additional, selected neuromuscular diseases (NMDs). Data collected can aid in providing treatment and support options and identifying unique needs of individuals with MDs and NMDs, as well as their families. Findings will be shared with scientists, clinicians, advocacy groups, an policy makers developing interventions and patient resources.

Agency
National Institute of Health (NIH)
Institute
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (NCBDD)
Type
Research Project--Cooperative Agreements (U01)
Project #
5U01DD001119-02
Application #
8915516
Study Section
Special Emphasis Panel (ZDD1)
Project Start
2014-09-01
Project End
2019-08-31
Budget Start
2015-09-01
Budget End
2016-08-31
Support Year
2
Fiscal Year
2015
Total Cost
Indirect Cost
Name
University of Iowa
Department
Public Health & Prev Medicine
Type
Schools of Public Health
DUNS #
062761671
City
Iowa City
State
IA
Country
United States
Zip Code
52246
Conway, Kristin M; Ciafaloni, Emma; Matthews, Dennis et al. (2018) Application of the International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health system to symptoms of the Duchenne and Becker muscular dystrophies. Disabil Rehabil 40:1773-1780
Latimer, Rebecca; Street, Natalie; Conway, Kristin Caspers et al. (2017) Secondary Conditions Among Males With Duchenne or Becker Muscular Dystrophy. J Child Neurol 32:663-670
Gissy, Jacob J; Johnson, Teresa; Fox, Deborah J et al. (2017) Delayed onset of ambulation in boys with Duchenne muscular dystrophy: Potential use as an endpoint in clinical trials. Neuromuscul Disord 27:905-910
Kim, Sunkyung; Zhu, Yong; Romitti, Paul A et al. (2017) Associations between timing of corticosteroid treatment initiation and clinical outcomes in Duchenne muscular dystrophy. Neuromuscul Disord 27:730-737
Frishman, Natalia; Conway, Kristin Caspers; Andrews, Jennifer et al. (2017) Perceived quality of life among caregivers of children with a childhood-onset dystrophinopathy: a double ABCX model of caregiver stressors and perceived resources. Health Qual Life Outcomes 15:33
Ciafaloni, Emma; Kumar, Anil; Liu, Ke et al. (2016) Age at onset of first signs or symptoms predicts age at loss of ambulation in Duchenne and Becker Muscular Dystrophy: Data from the MD STARnet. J Pediatr Rehabil Med 9:5-11
James, Katherine A; Cunniff, Christopher; Apkon, Susan D et al. (2015) Risk Factors for First Fractures Among Males With Duchenne or Becker Muscular Dystrophy. J Pediatr Orthop 35:640-4
Romitti, Paul A; Zhu, Yong; Puzhankara, Soman et al. (2015) Prevalence of Duchenne and Becker muscular dystrophies in the United States. Pediatrics 135:513-21
Zhu, Yong; Romitti, Paul A; Caspers Conway, Kristin M et al. (2015) Genitourinary health in a population-based cohort of males with Duchenne and Becker Muscular dystrophies. Muscle Nerve 52:22-7
Caspers Conway, Kristin; Mathews, Katherine D; Paramsothy, Pangaja et al. (2015) Neurobehavioral Concerns Among Males with Dystrophinopathy Using Population-Based Surveillance Data from the Muscular Dystrophy Surveillance, Tracking, and Research Network. J Dev Behav Pediatr 36:455-63

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