Establishing Biomarkers and Clinical Endpoints in Myotonic Dystrophy Type 1 (END-DM1)
Building on previous work of the Myotonic Dystrophy Clinical Research Network (DMCRN), the present study seeks to overcome insufficient data on natural history; lack of reliable biomarkers; and incomplete characterization and limited biological understanding of the phenotypic heterogeneity of Myotonic Dystrophy 1 by examining strategies to improve the reliability by making further refinements in our sample collection and analysis procedures by developing strategies for managing patient heterogeneity going forward. Funding Source- FDA OOPD
• Age 18 to 70 (inclusive)
• Competent to provide informed consent
• Clinical diagnosis of DM1 based on research criteria1 or positive genetic test
• Comment: The clinical research criteria require myotonia, muscle weakness in a characteristic distribution, and history of similar findings in a first degree relative. Genetic testing confirmed the diagnosis of DM1 in \> 99% of individuals who satisfied these criteria.2
⁃ • Of the 95 patients undergoing the tibialis anterior muscle biopsy, at least half will have at least moderate weakness of ankle dorsiflexion, defined as MRC score ≤ 4+. This is in order to obtain a muscle tissue sample in a person more severely affected with myotonic dystrophy. Approximately 10 patients at each site will undergo the muscle biopsy.