Marco Spagnolin

Dr. Marco Spagnolin


Research Focus & Metrics

Academic Career Length

2Years (2025-Present)

(Calculated once Scilit publication data is synced: current year − year of first publication + 1)

Representative Publications

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22 September 2025 in Cardiogenetics
Verified
Journal Article
Open access
PDF file
MSMarco Spagnolin
Marco Spagnolin
LFLuca Fazzini
Luca Fazzini
ATAmedeo Terzi
Amedeo Terzi
AIAttilio Iacovoni
Attilio Iacovoni
RARaffaele Abete
Raffaele Abete
MGMauro Gori
Mauro Gori
Dystrophinopathies, including Duchenne and Becker muscular dystrophies (DMD and BMD), are inherited neuromuscular disorders frequently complicated by progressive cardiac involvement, ultimately leading to advanced heart failure. While heart transplantation and long-term left ventricular assist device (LVAD) therapy represent potential therapeutic options, their application in this population raises significant ethical challenges. This review explores the ethical implications surrounding the allocation of scarce medical resources, particularly in patients with limited life expectancy and multisystem disease, as in DMD. Decisions regarding eligibility for heart transplantation must balance individual benefit, considering the impact of excluding other potential recipients. LVAD therapy, although more accessible, still demands careful patient selection due to high perioperative risk and postoperative complications. The review emphasizes the need for transparent, multidisciplinary decision-making processes that respect patient autonomy while ensuring equitable and rational distribution of healthcare resources. Ultimately, while advanced therapies may be feasible in selected cases, particularly in BMD, ethical deliberation remains central to determining their appropriateness in the context of dystrophinopathies.