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Gastrointestinal symptoms in myotonic dystrophy
A Rönnblom1, H Forsberg, A Danielsson
1Dept. of Medicine, Central Hospital, Boden, Sweden.
Scandinavian Journal of Gastroenterology
|July 1, 1996
Summary
Gastrointestinal (GI) symptoms are common in myotonic dystrophy (MD) patients, often appearing before diagnosis. These GI issues are frequently the most disabling aspect of MD.
Area of Science:
- Gastroenterology
- Neurology
- Genetics
Background:
- Gastrointestinal complaints can be early indicators of myotonic dystrophy (MD).
- The prevalence of GI symptoms in MD has not been prospectively studied.
Purpose of the Study:
- To prospectively evaluate the frequency and impact of gastrointestinal symptoms in patients with myotonic dystrophy.
Main Methods:
- A standardized questionnaire was used to interview 40 patients diagnosed with myotonic dystrophy.
- A control group of age- and sex-matched healthy individuals was included for comparison.
Main Results:
- The most frequent GI symptoms included abdominal pain (55%), dysphagia (45%), emesis (35%), diarrhea (33%), coughing while eating (33%), and anal incontinence (30%).
- A significant portion of patients (25%) reported GI problems as the most disabling consequence of MD.
- Notably, 28% of patients experienced GI issues prior to their MD diagnosis.
Conclusions:
- Gastrointestinal symptoms are highly prevalent in myotonic dystrophy patients.
- These symptoms can manifest early in the disease course and significantly impact quality of life.
- GI problems are often perceived as the most debilitating feature of myotonic dystrophy.