Limb-girdle muscular dystrophies

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Superficial anterior muscles

Muscular dystrophy - limb-girdle type

There are no known treatments that directly reverse the muscle weakness. Gene therapy may become available in the future. Supportive treatment can decrease the complications of the disease.

The Muscular Dystrophy Association is an excellent resource (800-572-1717).

This is a large group of related but separate diseases. In general, it is expected that there will be slow progression of weakness, which worsens in affected muscles, spreads, and worsens further.

Heart muscle weakness and the tendency to have abnormal electrical activity of the heart can increase the risk of palpitations, fainting and sudden death. Most patients with this group of diseases live into adulthood, but do not reach their full life expectancy.

• Progressive weakness, which results in requiring a wheelchair
• Difficulties with activities of daily living due to shoulder weakness
• Contractures due to decreased muscle movements and joint use
• Abnormal heart rhythms

Call your health care provider if you or your child note weakness while rising from a squatting position. Call a geneticist if you or a family member have a diagnosis of muscular dystrophy and you are planning a pregnancy.

Review Date: 08/11/2006
Reviewed By: Brian Kirmse, MD, Mount Sinai School of Medicine, Department of Human Genetics, New York, NY. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.