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Caring for Gender Diverse Youth With Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy: A Multisite Case Series

Lookup NU author(s): Dr Claire WoodORCiD

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Abstract

© 2026 Elsevier Inc.Background: Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD) is a progressive neuromuscular condition requiring long-term multidisciplinary care. Endocrine management often includes pubertal induction with testosterone for delayed puberty, which commonly occurs in individuals receiving chronic glucocorticoid therapy. Although gender diversity is increasingly recognized among adolescents, gender identity and gender-affirming care have not been well described among individuals with DMD. Methods: We conducted a multi-institutional, retrospective case series across pediatric neuromuscular centers in the United States, Canada, and the United Kingdom. Providers submitted deidentified data via Research Electronic Data Capture on individuals with DMD who self-identified as transgender or gender diverse (TGD). Quantitative data were summarized descriptively, and qualitative provider narratives were analyzed thematically to characterize care approaches, barriers, and psychosocial outcomes. Results: Ten TGD individuals with DMD were identified. Gender identity disclosure occurred between 13 and 25 years of age, most commonly in late adolescence or early adulthood. Distress related to testosterone therapy for pubertal induction was reported in half of the cases. All individuals received mental health support and seven pursued gender-affirming medical therapy, most commonly estrogen with antiandrogens. Providers described complex decision-making balancing gender-related goals with DMD-associated risks, including osteoporosis, cardiomyopathy, reduced mobility, and thromboembolic risk. Social affirmation and/or initiation of gender-affirming care were consistently associated with improvements in mood, emotional well-being, and engagement in care. System-level barriers included institutional variability in consent processes and interdisciplinary coordination. Conclusions: This international case series highlights delayed gender identity disclosure, complex hormonal decision-making, and the importance of coordinated, affirming, interdisciplinary care for TGD individuals with DMD. As survival in DMD improves, comprehensive neuromuscular care must address psychosocial well-being alongside physical health.

Publication metadata

Author(s): Melendez Garcia CE, Ahmed UA, Pagan A, Appel A, Nasomyont N, Fiscaletti M, Weber DR, Crane J, Apkon S, Rutter M, Wood C, Ward L, Renthal NE

Publication type: Article

Publication status: Published

Journal: Pediatric Neurology

Year: 2026

Volume: 179

Pages: 87-90

Print publication date: 01/06/2026

Online publication date: 24/03/2026

Acceptance date: 18/03/2026

ISSN (print): 0887-8994

ISSN (electronic): 1873-5150

Publisher: Elsevier Inc.

URL: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.pediatrneurol.2026.03.018

DOI: 10.1016/j.pediatrneurol.2026.03.018

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