Neonatal form of dystrophia myotonica. Five cases in preterm babies and a review of earlier reports.

Abstract

Five preterm babies with the neonatal form of dystrophia myotonica are reported. In addition to the generally accepted signs and symptoms of the disease, two other features were present in these patients; oedema was notable in all 5 babies and 4 had unexplained haematomas. It is suggested that premature birth may be a result of severe involvement and that prematurity further aggravates the symptoms.