Heart Problems in MMD1
Often Require Pacemaker

A ongoing study of heart problems in type 1 myotonic dystrophy (MMD1) that began in 1997 has released two sets of interim results.

The study is being conducted under the direction of cardiologist William Groh at the Krannert Institute of Cardiology of Indiana University in Indianapolis and has had support from medical electronics manufacturer Medtronic and from MDA.

As of June, 440 patients were enrolled in the study. In a subsection, six people had a special device called a loop recorder implanted underneath the skin of the chest to constantly record heart rate and rhythm. Serious problems were detected in three people and two received an electronic device to correct it.

As of January, 57 participants (13 percent of the 440) were noted to have entered the study with a diagnosed heart problem. At study entry, nine of them (2 percent) had a pacemaker. By January, 37 (9 percent) had had a pacemaker inserted.

Residents of the Indianapolis area who believe they have MMD1 are still being enrolled. Contact clinical research coordinator Miriam Lowe at (317) 962-0080, (800) 843-2786 or milowe@iupui.edu. Participants will receive electrocardiograms and genetic testing for MMD1.