Outcome in pregnancies complicated by myotonic dystrophy: a study of 31 patients and review of the literature

Eur J Obstet Gynecol Reprod Biol. 2004 May 10;114(1):44-53. doi: 10.1016/j.ejogrb.2003.11.025.

Abstract

Objectives: Myotonic dystrophy can be associated with increased obstetric risks, but the maternal contribution for gestational outcome is difficult to establish considering the varying degrees of severity and the influence of fetal factors.

Study design: We analyzed the pregnancy course and outcome of 31 women with classic myotonic dystrophy, who delivered a total of 66 children. In addition, 93 gestations from the literature were reviewed.

Results: As most patients were not aware of their diagnosis at reproductive age, often the first indication of the maternal disease was a severely affected child (39%). Miscarriages and pre-eclampsia did not increase. Ectopic pregnancies occurred in 4%, placenta previa in 9% of gestations, while postpartum hemorrhage due to uterine atonia was only reported twice. Severe urinary tract infections were reported for 19% of the patients, but were only rarely encountered in the literature. Preterm labor, before 34 weeks, occurred in 19% of gestations and was often, but not exclusively attributed to congenitally affected fetuses in contrast to polyhydramnios (17%). Labor abnormalities of all three stages were frequent, increasing the number of operative deliveries (cesarean section rate 36%). Perinatal mortality was 15% and mainly related to congenitally affected children.

Conclusions: The risk for obstetric complications and urinary tract infections increases for pregnant patients with myotonic dystrophy. They need constant obstetric monitoring. It is hoped that a better awareness of the clinical picture might help to improve gestational outcome in myotonic dystrophy.

Publication types

  • Case Reports
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Age of Onset
  • Female
  • Germany / epidemiology
  • Humans
  • Infant, Newborn
  • Myotonic Dystrophy / epidemiology*
  • Myotonic Dystrophy / etiology
  • Myotonic Dystrophy / genetics
  • Obstetric Labor Complications
  • Obstetric Labor, Premature
  • Pedigree
  • Pregnancy
  • Pregnancy Complications / epidemiology*
  • Pregnancy Complications / etiology
  • Pregnancy Outcome
  • Prenatal Care