Parent Project Muscular Dystrophy (PPMD) has announced the certification of the clinic at Norton Children's Hospital in Louisville, Kentucky, as a Paediatric Certified Duchenne Care Center (CDCC).

This expansion of the CDCC Program brings standardised care for Duchenne muscular dystrophy to a new region, marking the first certification of its kind in Kentucky.

Ranked as the top children's hospital in the state, Norton Children's serves approximately 40 patients with dystrophinopathy, a range of muscle diseases caused by a mutation in the dystrophin gene.

Led by Dr Amanda Rogers and Dr Arpita Lakhotia, the clinic's directors and neuromuscular neurologists, the team plans to enhance their support network, including dedicated professionals such as a nurse coordinator, social worker, and dietitian.

Initiated by PPMD, the CDCC Program ensures standardised and comprehensive care for individuals with Duchenne.

Certified centres are claimed to adhere to high clinical standards, apply new evidence-based knowledge, and comply with the CDC's Care Considerations to provide the best possible care.

PPMD is committed to promoting comprehensive care for all individuals with Duchenne, and the addition of Norton Children's as a certified centre furthers this mission and expands the programme's reach to Kentucky.

PPMD’s associate vice-president Alexis Hazlett said: “The neuromuscular team at Norton Children’s has evolved significantly over the past several years to better serve their Duchenne and Becker population, and we are thrilled to include them in our network of certified centres.

“This certification comes after much enthusiasm and engagement from the team, and we are delighted to recognise those efforts and the excellent level of care the team provides with their inclusion in our CDCC programme.”