Myotonic Dystrophies: Epidemiology, Diagnosis & Therapeutic Challenges

Myotonic dystrophy is a multisystemic disorder. The epidemiology of DM is examined in the first chapter of this book as well as potential therapeutic strategies. The authors then go on to review the various involvement of the endocrine system in myotonic dystrophy and therapeutic strategies are proposed. The fourth chapter gives an overview on the diagnostic assessment and management of distinct clinical manifestations of CNS (Central Nervous System) involvement in DM patients, and the main topics regarding its pathogenesis are explored. The next chapter focuses on the strategy of neuromuscular blockage for patients with myotonic dystrophy, especially focusing on premedication, induction of anaesthesia, response to muscle relaxants, the crucial points of safe anaesthesiological care and other perioperative triggers. The development of biomarkers is of high importance in the diagnosis and monitoring of diseases and thus is examined with relation to DM1 (myotonic dystrophy type 1) patients. Other chapters summarize the different rehabilitative approaches that have been proposed in this disease; the novel, interesting findings of therapeutic potential to target DM1 with small molecule kinase inhibitors and the promises his may provide to this devastating disorder; the controversial, phenotypical consequences of the interrupted alleles on DM1 patients; and the sleep disorders associated with myotonic dystrophies.