Nebivolol for the Prevention of Left Ventricular Systolic Dysfunction in Patients With Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy

Inclusion Criteria:

• Duchenne muscular dystrophy genetically proven

• Age between 10 and 15 years

• Left ventricular ejection fraction assessed by radionuclide angiography orechocardiography ≥50% and measured within 3 months

• Systolic blood pressure ≥80 mmHg

• Diastolic blood pressure ≥70 mmHg

Exclusion Criteria:

• Heart rate <50 bpm

• 2nd or 3rd degree atrioventricular blocks, sinus node dysfunction

• Asthma or bronchospasm

• Severe peripheral circulatory disease

• Hypersensitivity to nebivolol or excipients

• Metabolic acidosis

• Blood urea >7 mmol/l

• Liver transaminases enzymes >6 fold the upper limit of normal

• Formal indication for beta-blockade treatment

• Cardiac treatments except angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors

• Participation to another clinical trial within 3 months