Application of a closely linked polymorphism of restriction fragment length to counselling and prenatal testing in families with myotonic dystrophy

Br Med J (Clin Res Ed). 1986 Nov 22;293(6558):1353-6. doi: 10.1136/bmj.293.6558.1353.

Abstract

The close genetic linkage between the loci for apolipoprotein CII (ApoC2) and myotonic dystrophy makes ApoC2 the closest fully validated marker for prediction of myotonic dystrophy. Application to genetic counselling and presymptomatic and prenatal prediction is reported in seven families with myotonic dystrophy, including one case in which the disorder was excluded prenatally. Only one of the families did not have members with ApoC2 genotypes that allowed prediction, but careful clinical study of older family members was found to be an important factor. ApoC2 typing of families with myotonic dystrophy should be of practical help both in prediction for asymptomatic relatives and for prenatal diagnosis in pregnancies of an affected parent.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Female
  • Fetal Diseases / diagnosis*
  • Genetic Carrier Screening / methods
  • Genetic Counseling*
  • Genetic Linkage
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Muscular Dystrophies / diagnosis
  • Muscular Dystrophies / genetics*
  • Pedigree
  • Polymorphism, Genetic*
  • Polymorphism, Restriction Fragment Length*
  • Pregnancy
  • Prenatal Diagnosis / methods*