title: Myotonic dystrophy and pregnancy.
abstract: Myotonic dystrophy is the most common neuromuscular disease in adults with a prevalence of 2.4-5.5 per 100,000. Here we describe two cases of DM and discuss their obstetric complications. Our first case concerns a 39 year old multipara whose pregnancies were complicated by recurrent abdominal pain, polyhydramnios and post partum haemorrhage which was attributed to DM. In our second case we discuss the management of a 27 year old woman with dichorionic, di-amniotic twins. Chorionic Villous Sampling at 11 weeks revealed one of the fetuses, a male; to be afflicted by DM. Selective termination of the affected twin was performed. Unfortunately, she developed severe oligohydramnios and chronic liquor leak. This resulted in the intra-uterine death of the second twin 5 days later. Our cases highlight the importance of prenatal diagnosis and prompt genetic counselling. A multidisciplinary team approach is required in the management of such high risk cases.
authors.affiliation: West Cumberland Hospital, Whitehaven, United Kingdom.
authors.forename: Zainab Ashraf
authors.initials: ZA
authors.lastname: Khan
authors.forename: Shahid Aziz Anwer
authors.initials: SA
authors.lastname: Khan
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D005260:Female; D005313:Fetal Death; D020022:Genetic Predisposition to Disease; D006801:Humans; D007231:Infant, Newborn; D008297:Male; D009223:Myotonic Dystrophy / Q000235:genetics*; D010641:Phenotype; D011247:Pregnancy; D011248:Pregnancy Complications / Q000235:genetics*; D011256:Pregnancy Outcome; D011272:Pregnancy, Multiple