Straathof CSM, Van Heusden D, Ippel PF, Post JG, Voermans NC, De Visser M, Brusse E, Van Den Bergen JC, Van Der Kooi AJ, Verschuuren JJGM, Ginjaar HB. Diagnosis of becker muscular dystrophy: Results of Re-analysis of DNA samples.
Muscle Nerve 2015;
53:44-8. [PMID:
25900853 DOI:
10.1002/mus.24691]
[Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 04/14/2015] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION
The phenotype of Becker muscular dystrophy (BMD) is highly variable, and the disease may be underdiagnosed. We searched for new mutations in the DMD gene in a cohort of previously undiagnosed patients who had been referred in the period 1985-1995.
METHODS
All requests for DNA analysis of the DMD gene in probands with suspected BMD were re-evaluated. If the phenotype was compatible with BMD, and no deletions or duplications were detected, DNA samples were screened for small mutations.
RESULTS
In 79 of 185 referrals, no mutation was found. Analysis could be performed on 31 DNA samples. Seven different mutations, including 3 novel ones, were found. Long-term clinical follow-up is described.
CONCLUSIONS
Refining DNA analysis in previously undiagnosed cases can identify mutations in the DMD gene and provide genetic diagnosis of BMD. A delayed diagnosis can still be valuable for the proband or the relatives of BMD patients.
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