Quantitative electromyography in the detection of the carriers in Duchenne type muscular dystrophy

The quantitative EMG technique was used to detect Duchenne muscular dystrophy carriers. The tests were carried out, measuring the parameters of M.U. potentials (the duration, the phase, and the 0 index according to Van den Bosch, modified by Gardner-Medwin), and using the Willison analyzer, in a group of carriers and normal subjects. Ten M.U. potentials from the deltoid, biceps brachii and quadriceps muscles were photographed and measured in each subject, and the right and the left biceps were examined with the Willison analyzer. An high detection rate was obtained by manual EMG, measuring traditional values such as mean number of phases, A.P. duration and 0 index. The Willison analyzer was significant in 2 known carriers. The total EMG detection rate was higher than the CPK tests both in the known carriers and the possible carriers. It is concluded that the quantitative EMG technique is an useful and specific test to detect carriers of the gene of Duchenne muscular dystrophy.