Myology research highlights
RSS feedA cardiac micro-pump useful in cases of decompensated cardiomyopathy in DMD
American researchers report the successful implantation of a temporary Impella 5.5 endocavitary micro–pump developedby Abiomed: the patient was a 14–year–old boy with Duchenne muscular dystrophy, he had been transferred for treatment of cardiogenic shock in the context of decompensation of his cardiomyopathy. the implantable device was inserted through the right axillary artery into the left … [Read more]
Specific autoantibodies can predict response to treatment in dermatomyositis
French researchers have identified specific autoantibodies associated with myositis that may predict the response to treatment of dermatomyositis with Janus kinase (JAK) inhibitors (JAKi): 39 children and adolescents with juvenile dermatomyositis were included in the study, all of whom were followed at the Necker-Enfants Malades Reference Center in Paris. A positive, complete, or partial response … [Read more]
Three new cases of the p.Ser85Cys mutation in the MATR3 gene in a form of distal myopathy
French myologists report the case of three adults (two of whom are related) of Portuguese origin, who were treated in France for a slowly progressive muscle deficiency: histological and genetic studies confirmed the diagnosis of distal myopathy linked to a known variant of the MATR3 gene encoding matrin-3. this pathogenic variant has already been reported … [Read more]
FOXK2: a new gene for congenital myopathy with ptosis
Chinese researchers report for the first time mutations in the FOXK2 gene in five unrelated families: the clinical phenotype was that of an autosomal dominant congenital myopathy with early onset and the presence of very marked and often asymmetrical ptosis, five distinct pathological sequence variations were identified in the FOXK2 gene, this gene appears to … [Read more]
The Danish experience with myasthenia gravis
Danish researchers report the results of a large epidemiological study on mortality observed in myasthenia gravis between 1985 and 2020: the information was drawn from existing health data warehouses in Denmark, mortality figures were defined according to the date of occurrence of the event (within one year [short term], or between 1 and 5 years … [Read more]
DMD: Canakinumab reduces certain blood markers but not IL1b
Canakinumab (Ilaris®) is a monoclonal antibody that neutralises interleukin 1 beta (IL1β), an inflammatory marker that is highly expressed in Duchenne muscular dystrophy. It is an immunosuppressant that is already on the market. A US phase I/II trial evaluated the efficacy of 2 mg/kg of canakinumab in three boys with DMD (two aged 4 and … [Read more]
The particularities of dermatomyositis on black skin
The prevalence of dermatomyositis is higher in people with dark skin. After analysing 100 cases published since 1951, Canadian authors note that for this population: the initial diagnosis is incorrect in 10% of cases, with myositis being confused with hypertrophic lichen planus, an allergic reaction, a skin infection, etc. dyschromia (hypo- or hyperpigmentation), associated in … [Read more]
Results of a trial of creatine monohydrate in a paediatric population with FSHD
A randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial was conducted in 13 children with facioscapulohumeral muscular dystrophy (FSHD) who received either creatine monohydrate or a placebo in a crossover design over two 12-week periods, separated by a 6-week treatment-free period. Eleven participants completed the trial. No significant difference between creatine monohydrate and placebo was observed on the MFM-32 … [Read more]
The 2nd European Congress of CMT specialists will take place at the end of October in Belgium. Register now!
Organised by the European Federation of CMT Associations, the University of Antwerp and the European CMT Research Association (ECRA), the second edition of this congress will bring together about 150 clinicians and scientists who are experts in Charcot-Marie-Tooth disease (CMT) from 23 to 25 October 2025 in Antwerp, Belgium. The two-day programme will feature oral … [Read more]
DMD: launch of the pivotal phase of GĂ©nĂ©thon’s gene therapy trial
The results of the gene therapy trial (GNT0004) conducted by GĂ©nĂ©thon for Duchenne muscular dystrophy were presented on 17 May at the 2025 conference of the American Society of Gene & Cell Therapy (ASGCT). They demonstrate stabilisation of motor function and a significant and sustained reduction in CPK levels in patients treated at the effective … [Read more]
