title: Antenatal and preoperative genetic and clinical assessment in myotonic dystrophy.
abstract: The antenatal investigation of an obstetric patient with a history of myotonia is described. The smooth and striated muscle dysfunction in myotonic dystrophy renders these patients, as a group, liable to surgical correction and exposure to anaesthesia. A caesarean section is reported to illustrate the preferred timing of diagnosis and peripartum management. While regional anaesthesia is preferred, myotonic dystrophy is not a contraindication to general anaesthesia, provided risks are anticipated and steps taken to minimize complications.
authors.affiliation: Department of Anaesthetic Services, Royal Women's Hospital, Brisbane, Queensland.
authors.forename: R
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Boyle
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D000773:Anesthesia, Obstetrical; D000775:Anesthesia, Spinal; D002585:Cesarean Section; D004247:DNA / Q000032:analysis; D004576:Electromyography; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007231:Infant, Newborn; D008297:Male; D009223:Myotonic Dystrophy / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000235:genetics*; D011181:Postnatal Care; D011247:Pregnancy; D011248:Pregnancy Complications / Q000175:diagnosis*; D011300:Preoperative Care
chemical_list: D004247:DNA