Question

Which of the following sex-linked diseases is characterized by a waddling gait, toe walking, frequent falls, and difficulty in rising, and may appear as soon as the child starts to walk?

1) Muscular dystrophy
2) Hemophilia
3) Color blindness
4) Down syndrome

Answer 1

Muscular dystrophy, particularly Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD), is characterized by symptoms such as a waddling gait and difficulty in walking that appear in early childhood, predominantly affecting males and leading to severe muscle weakness.

Step-by-step explanation:

The sex-linked disease characterized by a waddling gait, toe walking, frequent falls, and difficulty in rising, and may appear as soon as the child starts to walk is Muscular dystrophy, specifically Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD). DMD is an inherited disorder caused by an abnormal X chromosome and primarily affects males. It is usually diagnosed in early childhood when difficulty with balance and motion appears, progressing to a more severe muscle weakness that affects walking, then breathing, and circulation.

DMD progression starts in the lower extremities and moves upward, severely impacting life expectancy. Most individuals with DMD do not live past their 20s due to respiratory failure.