Pain and Motor Function in Myotonic Dystrophy Type 1: A Cross-Sectional Study

Area of Science:

• Neurology
• Pain Medicine
• Genetics

Background:

• Pain is often overlooked in myotonic dystrophy type 1 (DM1), a genetic neuromuscular disorder.
• Understanding the functional implications of pain in DM1 is crucial for patient care.

Purpose of the Study:

• To characterize pain and its functional impact in DM1 patients using a multidimensional assessment.
• To investigate gender differences in pain experience and associated symptoms in DM1.

Main Methods:

• Utilized the Brief Pain Inventory (BPI), Tinetti Performance-Oriented Mobility Assessment (POMA), Functional Independence Measure (FIM), and Fatigue Severity Scale (FSS).
• Assessed 45 DM1 patients (23 males, 22 females), categorized into mild (<4) and moderate-severe (≥4) pain groups based on BPI.
• Performed between-group analyses and subgroup analyses based on gender and pain severity.

Main Results:

• Statistically significant differences were observed in fatigue (FSS) and pain severity (BPI-SI) for the moderate-severe group (≥4).
• All assessed outcomes, except FIM, were significantly worse in the female group.
• Females in the moderate-severe pain group (BPI-II ≥ 4) reported significantly higher fatigue and worse functional outcomes compared to males.

Conclusions:

• Pain is prevalent and gender-related in DM1 patients.
• Female DM1 patients experience more severe pain, leading to increased fatigue and poorer balance/gait.
• Multidimensional pain assessment is essential for understanding and managing DM1 complications.