Myotonic Dystrophy An Overview of a Rare Genetic Disorder Presented by: Himanshu Kumar
Introduction • A genetic, progressive muscle disorder. • Causes weakness and prolonged muscle contractions. • Most common form of adult muscular dystrophy.
Types • Type 1 (DM1) – Steinert’s disease (more severe, earlier onset). • Type 2 (DM2) – Proximal myotonic myopathy (milder, later onset).
Causes & Genetics • Mutation in DMPK gene (DM1) or CNBP gene (DM2). • Autosomal dominant inheritance. • Expansion of CTG or CCTG repeats in DNA. DNA Repeat Expansion (CTG/CCTG)
Complications • Heart problems (life-threatening). • Respiratory failure. • Difficulty during childbirth (congenital form). • Risk of diabetes and thyroid disorders.
Diagnosis Pathway • Clinical examination. • Genetic testing (DNA test for CTG/CCTG repeats). • Electromyography (EMG). • Family history. 1. Clinical Examination 2. Electromyography (EMG) 3. DNA Genetic Testing 4. Family History
Treatment & Management • No cure available. • Symptomatic treatment: - Medications for myotonia (e.g., mexiletine). - Pacemakers for heart issues. - Physical therapy, speech therapy. • Lifestyle: regular exercise, avoid stress. • Genetic counseling. 1. No Cure Available 2. Medications (e.g., Mexiletine) 3. Pacemakers for Heart Issues 4. Physical & Speech Therapy 5. Lifestyle Modifications 6. Genetic Counseling
Prognosis • Progressive condition with variable severity. • Lifespan may be shortened in severe DM1 cases. • Supportive care improves quality of life.
Research & Future • Gene therapy and RNA-based treatments under study. • Ongoing clinical trials for new medications.
Conclusion • Myotonic dystrophy is a genetic progressive disorder. • Early diagnosis and supportive care are vital. • Research offers hope for future therapies.
References • WHO and NIH medical resources. • Standard medical genetics textbooks. • Recent research publications.
History & Discovery • First described by Hans Gustav Wilhelm Steinert in 1909. • Recognized as a hereditary muscle disorder. • Genetic basis discovered in the 1990s with identification of DMPK gene mutation.
Epidemiology • Prevalence: ~1 in 8,000 people worldwide. • DM1 is more common than DM2. • Found across all ethnic groups. • Congenital form occurs in babies born to mothers with DM1. • Anticipation: severity increases and onset occurs earlier in successive generations.
Pathophysiology • Expanded CTG or CCTG repeats in DNA create toxic RNA. • This RNA traps RNA-binding proteins, disrupting normal cellular function. • Leads to widespread effects in muscle, heart, eye, and endocrine systems. • Explains the multi-system involvement of the disease.
Clinical Variants of DM1 • Congenital DM1: Severe, present at birth, breathing/swallowing difficulties. • Childhood-onset DM1: Learning difficulties, behavioral problems. • Adult-onset DM1: Muscle weakness, cataracts, cardiac issues. • Late-onset DM1: Mild symptoms, often cataracts and mild weakness.
Cardiac Involvement • Conduction abnormalities are common. • Risk of arrhythmias and sudden cardiac death. • Pacemaker or defibrillator may be needed. • Regular ECG monitoring is essential.
Respiratory Issues • Weakness of respiratory muscles. • Risk of hypoventilation and respiratory infections. • Sleep apnea is common. • Non-invasive ventilation (BiPAP) may be required.
Endocrine & Metabolic Effects • Insulin resistance and risk of diabetes. • Thyroid dysfunction. • Testicular atrophy and infertility in males. • Menstrual irregularities in females.
Supportive Care • Multidisciplinary approach: neurologist, cardiologist, pulmonologist, physiotherapist. • Regular monitoring of heart and lung function. • Cataract surgery if vision impaired. • Occupational therapy for daily living support. • Counseling and psychological support.
Genetic Counseling & Family Planning • Autosomal dominant inheritance: 50% chance of passing mutation. • Genetic counseling recommended for affected families. • Prenatal testing and preimplantation genetic diagnosis (PGD) are available. • Important for family planning decisions.