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Superficial anterior muscles
Superficial anterior muscles
OverviewSymptomsTreatmentPrevention

Limb-girdle muscular dystrophies

Alternative Names:
Muscular dystrophy - limb-girdle type

Treatment:
There are no known treatments that directly reverse the muscle weakness. Gene therapy may available in the future. Supportive treatment can decrease the complications of the disease.

Support Groups:
The Muscular Dystrophy Association is an excellent resource (800-572-1717).

Expectations (prognosis):

This is a large group of related but distinct diseases. In general, it is expected that there will be slow progression of weakness, which worsens in affected muscles, spreads, and progresses further.

Heart muscle weakness and the tendency to have abnormal electrical activity of the heart can increase the risk of palpitations, fainting and sudden death. Most patients with this group of diseases live into adulthood, but do not reach their full life expectancy.



Complications:
  • Progressive weakness, which results in requiring a wheelchair
  • Difficulties with activities of daily living due to shoulder weakness
  • Contractures due to decreased muscle movements and joint use
  • Abnormal heart rhythms


Calling your health care provider:
Call your health care provider if you or your child note weakness while rising from a squatting position. Call a geneticist if you or a family member have a diagnosis of muscular dystrophy and you are planning a pregnancy.

Review Date: 11/12/2002
Reviewed By: David G. Brooks, M.D., Ph.D., Division of Medical Genetics, University of Pennsylvania Medical Center, Philadelphia, PA. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.

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