Abbreviations

ACE

angiotensin converting enzyme (ACE inhibitors are used to control cardiac problems and high blood pressure)

ADHD

attention deficit hyperactivity disorder

ADL

activities of daily living

AFOs

ankle-foot orthoses (splints which are used to control tightness at the ankles)

ALT

alanine aminotransferase

AST

aspartate aminotransferase

BP

blood pressure

CDC

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (the major public health body in the USA)

CK

creatine kinase (an enzyme found at high levels in the blood in DMD and other forms of muscular dystrophy)

DEXA

dual energy X-ray absorptiometry (a test done to look at the strength of the bones). Also referred to as DXA

DMD

Duchenne muscular dystrophy

ECG

electrocardiogram (the main test done to look at heart rhythm)

FVC

forced vital capacity (a test of breathing muscle strength)

GC

glucocorticoid

IV

intravenous (into the vein)

KAFOs

knee-ankle-foot orthoses (long leg splints that can be used especially over the period that walking is becoming impossible and thereafter to help prolong walking)

kg

kilogram

L

litre

LVEF

left ventricular ejection fraction (one of the main tests of heart function)

mg

milligram

nmol

nanomoles

NSAIDs

non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (which are used for pain relief, the most common of which are ibuprofen, diclofenac and naproxen)

OCD

obsessive-compulsive disorder

TA

achilles tendon

TB

tuberculosis

VOCA

voice output communication aid

Information based on consensus statement (published in January 2010)