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Modeling Myotonic Dystrophy 1 in C2C12 Myoblast Cells
Published on: July 29, 2016
The COVID-19 Pandemic and Its Influence on Patients With Myotonic Dystrophy Type 1: Lessons Learned
Vera E A Kleinveld1, Johanna E Bruijnes2, Samuel Labrecque1
1Department of Neurology, Medical University of Innsbruck, Innsbruck, Austria.
Insights
Myotonic dystrophy type 1 (DM1) patients had a lower COVID-19 prevalence but higher hospitalization rates. Pandemic management strategies did not impact DM1 disease course, suggesting their reusability.
Area of Science:
- Neurology
- Infectious Diseases
- Public Health
Background:
- Myotonic dystrophy type 1 (DM1) patients have cardiopulmonary symptoms, increasing severe COVID-19 risk.
- The COVID-19 pandemic's impact on DM1 patients requires investigation for management strategies.
Purpose of the Study:
- To assess the effect of the COVID-19 pandemic on DM1 patients.
- To inform management strategies for DM1 patients during pandemics.
Main Methods:
- Retrieved COVID-19 infection data from 195 DM1 patients in the MYODRAFT database.
- Administered a questionnaire on COVID-19 symptoms, well-being, and care to 82 patients/proxies.
- Compared pandemic data with prepandemic data.
Main Results:
- COVID-19 prevalence in DM1 patients (9.2%) was lower than the Dutch population (11.5%).
- Hospitalization rates for COVID-19 in DM1 patients (22.2%) were higher than the general population (3.6%).
- Two DM1 patients died from COVID-19; canceled appointments were frequent. Patient-reported physical functioning remained stable, but proxies noted well-being decline.
Conclusions:
- DM1 patients face higher risks for severe COVID-19 outcomes despite similar infection prevalence.
- Pandemic management strategies did not negatively affect DM1 disease progression.
- Existing strategies can be reapplied in similar future public health crises.
Introduction:
Myotonic dystrophy type 1 (DM1) patients might represent a high-risk population for severe COVID-19 disease, as cardiopulmonary symptoms are part of the clinical spectrum of DM1. The COVID-19 pandemic may have impacted DM1 patients. We aimed to determine the effect of the COVID-19 pandemic on DM1 patients to guide management strategies in possible future pandemics.
Methods:
Data on the presence of a COVID-19 infection were retrieved from 195 DM1 patients in the MYODRAFT database. Between August 12 and October 4, 2021, 82 patients and proxies filled out a questionnaire on COVID-19 symptoms, well-being, and organization of care. Data were compared to prepandemic data.
Results:
A total of 18 patients had COVID-19 (13 confirmed, 5 probable infections). The prevalence of COVID-19 in our cohort was 9.2%, which was lower than in the Dutch population (11.5%). Four patients (22.2%) were hospitalized due to a COVID-19 infection, which was higher than in the Dutch population (3.6%). Two infected patients died. A high rate of canceled appointments was reported. Patients reported no change in physical functioning during the pandemic, whereas proxies reported a deterioration in mental and physical well-being of patients.
Conclusions:
The prevalence of COVID-19 infections was not higher in DM1 patients than in the general population, but DM1 patients are more susceptible to complicated disease when infected. Longitudinal data on patient-reported physical functioning suggest that the COVID-19 pandemic and the pandemic management strategies implemented did not influence the course of disease in DM1 patients, and similar strategies can be re-used in comparable situations.
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