Respiratory function in Becker muscular dystrophy: a comprehensive longitudinal study

Background Becker muscular dystrophy (BMD) is a rare X-linked neuromuscular disorder predominantly affecting males. While respiratory function has been characterised in small cohorts over limited time frames, comprehensive long-term longitudinal data remain lacking, as do established care guidelines to inform respiratory surveillance in BMD. Methods In this retrospective analysis, we present a large longitudinal analysis of respiratory function in patients with BMD, based on 1360 spirometry measurements from a single-centre cohort of 152 patients. Analysed assessments spanned paediatric to adult ages (3.4–86.3 years), with a mean follow-up duration of 11 years per patient. Linear mixed-effects models were used to study longitudinal changes in respiratory function. Results Respiratory decline in BMD appears gradual and variable, typically not affecting children (<18 years of age). Respiratory support was infrequent (11.2%), always non-invasive and limited to nocturnal use. Loss of ambulation emerged as a strong predictor of faster decline in forced vital capacity percentage of predicted (FVC%) (estimate −0.58%/year, p=0.002), with the requirement for assistive walking devices marking a critical transitional stage. Upper limb function, assessed via the PUL 2.0 entry item, correlated significantly with FVC%, particularly among non-ambulant patients (rho=0.60, p=0.02). Cardiac involvement showed a limited effect on respiratory function, likely driven by patients with more advanced cardiomyopathy. No consistent genotype-phenotype correlations were observed. Conclusion These findings provide important evidence to inform clinical management, supporting the recommendation of individualised respiratory monitoring strategies and contributing to the design and interpretation of clinical trials in BMD.