Job perspectives in facioscapulohumeral muscular dystrophy.
The working career of 138 adult patients with autosomal dominant facioscapulohumeral muscular dystrophy (FSHD) was studied using a mailing questionnaire. Of 126 patients with an occupational history, the average female and male working career was 15 to 30 years, respectively. Of 61 respondents actually holding a job, only nine had adjustments for disease-related handicaps. Reaching above and below shoulder level was required in 24 jobs, although shoulder weakness is a presenting symptom of FSHD. In spite of these physical problems, 52 patients (85%) labelled their job as satisfying. The duration of their working career and the satisfaction with their work despite frequent physical problems warrant a careful vocational guidance of FSHD patients in order to prevent or postpone unemployment. Similar working career studies in patients with other neuromuscular disorders are worthwhile.
Wevers
C W
CW
Department of Neurology, University Hospital Leiden, The Netherlands.
Brouwer
O F
OF
Padberg
G W
GW
Nijboer
I D
ID
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D002321:Career Choice; D002322:Career Mobility; D004651:Employment; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009136:Muscular Dystrophies / Q000145:classification / Q000628:therapy*; D009426:Netherlands; D012540:Scapula; D012782:Shoulder; D013577:Syndrome