The Classification, Natural History and Treatment of the Limb Girdle Muscular Dystrophies

Abstract

Over sixty years ago John Walton and Frederick Nattrass defined limb girdle muscular dystrophy (LGMD) as a separate entity from the X-linked dystrophinopathies such as Duchenne and Becker muscular dystrophies. LGMD is a highly heterogeneous group of very rare neuromuscular disorders whose common factor is their autosomal inheritance. Sixty years later, with the development of increasingly advanced molecular genetic investigations, a more precise classification and understanding of the pathogenesis is possible.

To date, over 30 distinct subtypes of LGMD have been identified, most of them inherited in an autosomal recessive fashion. There are significant differences in the frequency of subtypes of LGMD between different ethnic populations, providing evidence of founder mutations. Clinically there is phenotypic heterogeneity between subtypes of LGMD with varying severity and age of onset of symptoms. The first natural history studies into subtypes of LGMD are in process, but large scale longitudinal data have been lacking due to the rare nature of these diseases. Following natural history data collection, the next challenge is to develop more effective, disease specific treatments. Current management is focussed on symptomatic and supportive treatments. Advances in the application of new omics technologies and the generation of large-scale biomedical data will help to better understand disease mechanisms in LGMD and should ultimately help to accelerate the development of novel and more effective therapeutic approaches.

INTRODUCTION

Limb girdle muscular dystrophy (LGMD) is an umbrella term given to a group of rare, highly heterogeneous, autosomal neuromuscular disorders. The term LGMD was first used in a seminal paper by John Walton and Frederick Nattrass in 1954 [1]. The authors identified LGMD as a separate entity from the more common X-linked Duchenne and Becker muscular dystrophies (DMD/BMD). Between subtypes of LGMD, there are few common features, with the exception of autosomal inheritance. Other similarities in LGMD, most of which are still relevant, were described as illustrated in this quote from the original paper:

“In our opinion, these cases should be regarded as a distinct clinical and genetic group and we suggest they should be called limb-girdle muscular dystrophy. Leaving aside certain clinical characteristics which may be added later, we feel that the cardinal features of this type are (a) onset usually late in the first or in the second or third decade but sometimes in middle age, (b) commencement of muscular weakness in either the shoulder or pelvic girdle, (c) transmission usually via an autosomal recessive gene, (d) a relatively slow course which nevertheless leads to severe disablement and often death before the normal age.” [1]

A number of the cases identified in the paper by Walton and Nattrass continued to be treated in Newcastle and were subsequently identified as LGMD2A and LGMD2I. There are now over thirty subtypes of LGMD identified. LGMD may present at any age and in the severe forms can show an overlap with congenital muscular dystrophies. Heterogeneity is seen between subtypes in presenting complaint, most but not all, experience proximal muscle weakness or myalgia. Distal muscle weakness and life threatening arrhythmias may on the other hand be the first symptom, which illustrates the wide variation between LGMD subtypes.

Over the last sixty years, molecular genetic investigations have advanced, allowing precise classification and improvements in our understanding of the pathogenesis of LGMD subtypes. Other scientific advances have increased our knowledge of the structure and function of various parts of the sarcolemma and myocyte function. In 1995 a consensus was achieved on the categorisation of subtypes of LGMD [2].

Classification and epidemiology

All form of LGMD are inherited autosomally and the classification is alphanumeric with assignation of number ‘1’ or ‘2’ depending on whether they are inherited dominantly or recessively. A letter is added in order of discovery [2]. To date over 50 genetic loci have been identified [3]. Dominantly inherited LGMD is less common and reported to be only 5–10% of all LGMD [4, 5].

Overall prevalence of LGMD worldwide has been estimated to be 1 in 14,500–45,000 [4, 6]. A study by Norwood et al suggested that within the population of Northern England, LGMD accounts for 6.2% of all neuromuscular patients [6]. There is a wide variation in prevalence of LGMD subtypes in different ethnicities, suggesting potential founder mutations [7]. In the case of many of the newly discovered LGMD subtypes, mutations have only been described in a handful of families worldwide [8, 9]. Reportedly the most common LGMD subtype is LGMD2A (26.5–30% ), then LGMD2I (19% ) although this varies widely between populations [6, 10]. Because of the autosomal mode of inheritance LGMD is supposed to affect both genders equally, although Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) studies have shown that phenotypic differences may exist in the severity of affected muscles [11]. and in LGMD2L males seem to be more frequently affected [12].

LGMD subtypes are often grouped according to which protein is affected and many are allelic with other conditions.

Pathogenesis

LGMD is caused by multiple genes encoding for proteins within the sarcolemma, cytosol or nucleus of the myocyte (see Table 1 and Fig. 1). The lack of a common aetiology explains some of the differences in severity of phenotypes. The heterogeneous nature of LGMD makes it difficult to define a common pathway of myocyte damage. Possible mechanisms include membrane instability [33], errors in formation of a functional dystroglycan complex [60], and defects in muscle repair mechanisms [32, 61]. It is likely that the majority of the LGMD subtypes eventually develop membrane instability, similar to dystrophinopathies, which ultimately leads to muscle fibre degeneration. High levels of intracellular calcium have been implicated in myocytic damage [62], although the exact mechanism of calcium ion influx is not well described. It has been suggested that the influx of calcium ions activates proteolysis, eventually leading to apoptosis/necrosis of the myocytes [63]. Damage of muscle fibres leads to the release of inflammatory cytokines and consecutively neutrophils and macrophages are dispatched to degrade cellular debris [64]. Muscle satellite cells (undifferentiated myocyte progenitor cells) replace the damaged or necrotic tissue [65]. Eventually muscular repair mechanisms and satellite cell populations are overwhelmed and deposition of fibrotic (collagen) tissue and adipose tissue occurs [66].

Table 1.

A table to show current understanding of LGMD subtypes, genes and protein functions. Only LGMD subtypes with known genes are listed

LGMD	Gene/Locus	Protein	Suggested function of protein	References
1A	5q 22 – 34 (TTID)	Myotilin	Sarcomeric stabilisation of actin bundles	[13–16]
1B	1q 11–21 (LMNA)	Lamin A/C	Nuclear membrane stabilisation and transcriptional regulation	[17, 18]
1C	3p25 (CAV3)	Caveolin 3	Stabilisation of the sarcolemmal membrane, regulates cellular signal traffic	[19, 20]
1D	7q (DNAJB6)	HSP40	Molecular chaperone involved in proteomic and autophagic turnover	[21, 22]
1E	6q23 (DES)	Desmin	intermediate filament regulating sarcomere and cytoskeletal architecture	[23, 24]
1F	7q32 (TNPO3)	Transportin 3	Nuclear importing receptor	[25, 26]
1G	4q21 (HNRNPDL)	Heterogeneous Nuclear Ribonucleoprotein D-like protein	pre-mRNA processing	[27, 28]
2A	15q15–21 (CAPN3)	Calpain 3	Implicated in cytoskeletal repair mechanisms, binds titin	[29, 30]
2B	2p13 (DYSF)	Dysferlin	Regulation of vesicle fusion, receptor trafficking and repair of damaged membranes	[31, 32]
2C	13q12 (SGCG)	γ-sarcoglycan	Connects the sarcolemma to the extracellular matrix, stabilisation of the dystroglycan complex	[33]
2D	17q 12–21 (SGCA)	α-sarcoglycan	Connects the sarcolemma to the extracellular matrix, stabilisation of the dystroglycan complex	[33–35]
2E	4q12 (SGCB)	β-sarcoglycan	Connects the sarcolemma to the extracellular matrix, stabilisation of the dystroglycan complex	[33, 36]
2F	5q33–34 (SGCD)	δ-sarcoglycan	Connects the sarcolemma to the extracellular matrix, stabilisation of the dystroglycan complex	[33, 37]
2G	17q11-12 (TCAP)	Telethonin	Binds to titin, T tubule organisation	[38, 39]
2H	9q31–34 (TRIM 32)	Tripartite Motif containing 32	Binds to myosin, may ubiquitinate actin	[40, 41]
2I	19q13 (FKRP)	Fukutin related protein	Glycosylation of α-dystroglycan	[42, 43]
2J	2q (TTN)	Titin	Multiple binding sites for other proteins, connects the Z line to the M line in the sarcomere	[44, 45]
2K	9q34 (POMT1)	Protein-O-mannosyl transferase1	Involved in glycosylation of α-dystroglycan	[46, 47]
2L	11p12-13 (ANO5)	Anoctamin 5	Not completely understood – may act as a chloride channel	[12]
2M	9q31 (FKTN)	Fukutin	Involved in glycosylation of α-dystroglycan	[48]
2N	14q24 (POMT2)	Protein-O-mannosyl transferase 2	Involved in glycosylation of α-dystroglycan	[49]
2O	1p34 (POMGnT1)	Protein-O-linked mannose beta 1,2 Nacetylglucosaminyl transferase	Involved in glycosylation of α-dystroglycan	[50, 51]
2P	3p21 (DAG1)	Dystroglycan	Key basement membrane receptor and component of the dystrophin-glycoprotein complex,	[47, 52]
2Q	8q24 (PLEC1)	Plectin	Structural linkage between sarcomere and sarcolemma	[53]
2R	2q35 (DES)	Desmin	Intermediate filament regulating sarcomere and cytoskeletal architecture	[54]
2S	4q35 (TRAPPC11)	Transport protein particle complex 11	Membrane trafficking	[55]
2T	3p21 (GMPPB)	GDP-mannose pyrophosphorylase B	Involved in glycosylation of α-dystroglycan	[56, 57]
2U	7p21 (ISPD)	Isoprenoid synthase domain	Aids in o-mannosylation of α-dystroglycan	[58]
2V	17q25 (GAA)	Alpha-1,4 glucosidase	Lysosomal enzyme hydrolysing glycogen	[8]
2W	2q14 (LIMS2)	Lim and senescent cell antigen-like domains 2	Part of the integrin-actin cytoskeleton, signalling	[9, 59]

Fig.1.

A depiction of the organisation of the sarcolemma and LGMD subtypes associated with a defect in each protein. Of particular importance to the stability of the myocyte is – the dystrophin-glycoprotein complex, a highly glycosylated oligomeric structure that links the extracellular matrix to the sub-sarcolemmal cytoskeleton. (Amalgamated from Cotta [130], Laval [131]).

Natural history of LGMD

A thorough understanding of the progression of LGMD subtypes is dependent on the completion of longitudinal natural history studies. Natural history studies are essential in defining disease specific outcome measures and in developing care standards. To date, small scale cross-sectional studies and case series provide most of the information we have on the natural history of LGMD. The rarity of LGMD makes recruitment to larger longitudinal studies challenging. Longitudinal natural history studies have been completed on LGMD2I [67]. and a large cohort of LGMD2B are currently being assessed in an international longitudinal study, the results of which are not yet published. LGMD1B and 2A cohorts have been described, although no longitudinal natural history studies have been accomplished.

Patients with LGMD display predominantly symmetrical, proximal muscle weakness, although asymmetry and distal involvement can be seen in LGMD2B and 2L. Typical features and complications of LGMD may include respiratory compromise, cardiomyopathy, cardiac arrhythmias, scapular winging, calf hypertrophy, rigid spine and limb contractures, but almost all of the known LGMD subtypes show clinical heterogeneity and assuming a diagnosis based on “classical” phenotypes may be misleading. Less common associated features may aid to the diagnosis, as for example rippling muscle disease in LGMD1C [68]. Serum creatinine kinase (CK) levels are almost always raised in LGMD2, although the degree to which the CK is raised depends on the subtype, with LGMD2B and 2L having exceptionally high serum CK activities. Autosomal dominantly inherited LGMD commonly have a lower serum CK level than recessively inherited forms, except for LGMD1C, which can present with CK levels >2000 IU/l.

A brief summary of the features of the more common and distinctive subtypes of LGMD is listed below.

LGMD1A (myotilinopathy)

LGMD 1A is allelic with myotilin-associated myofibrillar myopathy and most patients with MYOT mutations have been described with the latter phenotype. The onset of weakness occurs typically during adult life and patients show normal or mildly elevated serum CK levels [69]. Other features can include respiratory failure, cardiomyopathy and dysarthric speech [69]. Over the past years several imaging studies using muscle MRI have been performed, showing a selective pattern of involvement. Of the hamstring muscles the semimembranosus muscle is most severely affected whereas the adjacent semitendinosus muscle is often well preserved [70]. Most patients with LGMD1A show the characteristic changes of a myofibrillar myopathy in their muscle biopsy.

LGMD1B (laminopathy)

Laminopathy is allelic with several other multisystem disorders (i.e. lipodystrophy, Emery Dreifuss muscular dystrophy) and may present from the first to the fourth decade of life. Features include severe cardiomyopathy and potentially life threatening cardiac arrhythmias [71]. Cardiology follow up is therefore very important. Due to the risk of life threatening arrhythmias, LGMD 1B is an important diagnosis to exclude in patients with an unidentified LGMD following muscle biopsy analysis, which generally shows unspecific findings. The only way to successfully exclude LGMD1B is by genetic testing. Rigid spine and limb contractures are also associated but not universal [71]. Serum CK levels are either normal or mildly elevated, with MRI studies have shown the most affected muscles include adductor magnus, semimembranosus, long head of the biceps femoris, soleus and medial head of the gastrocnemius [72].

LGMD1C (caveolinopathy)

Caveolinopathy comprises 1-2% of all LGMD [73, 74]. It usually presents within the first decade of life. The most common presenting complaint is primarily myalgia, followed by ‘rippling muscles’ and proximal muscle weakness [68]. It may be possible to elicit the ‘Rippling’ of the muscles by percussion with a tendon hammer. Levels of serum CK may be moderate to high; 4–25 times normal levels [75]. Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy and cardiac arrhythmias can occasionally occur in this disease and annual reviews are suggested [76].

LGMD1E, 2R (The desminopathies)

Desmin is a structural protein involved in membrane stabilisation. Most mutations in the DES gene have been associated with myofibrillar myopathy and also cardiomyopathy. LGMD 1E has been described in families in America and Finland [77, 78] with LGMD 2R only reported in a Turkish Family [54]. Patients typically present in adulthood with progressive weakness. The dominant form (LGMD1E) has a strong association with cardiomyopathy [77] with both recessive and dominant forms associated with cardiac arrhythmias [23]. Serum CK levels may be normal or may show a modest increase (up to 4 times normal levels). On muscle MRI patients with desminopathies typically show involvement of the semitendinosus, gracilis and sartorius muscles and muscle biopsies show characteristic features of myofibrillar myopathies with desmin accumulation [79, 80].

LGMD2A (calpainopathy)

Calpainopathy, probably the most common form of LGMD worldwide, typically first presents from 2–40 years [6, 30]. The phenotype is highly variable but studies have estimated that loss of ambulation can occur from 5–39 years [30]. Respiratory compromise is common at later stages, but less severe than in the LGMDs associated with the dystrophin-glycoprotein complex. Patients with LGMD2A don’t show cardiac involvement. Serum CK is typically moderately raised, at 3–20 times normal levels. MRI studies have suggested that the muscles of the shoulder girdle and of the posterior compartments of the legs are most severely affected, with relative sparing of the sartorius, gracilis and vastus medialis muscles [81]. (see ‘Fig. 2’) Muscle biopsies show dystrophic features with sometimes prominent inflammatory infiltrates and loss of calpain 3 expression by Western blotting can suggest the diagnosis, which should be genetically confirmed.

Fig.2.

The images above show T1 weighted axial magnetic resonance images of the pelvic girdle and legs muscles of patients with LGMD2A, 2D and 2L. In all patients a selective pattern of muscle pathology can be seen, with advanced changes in the LGMD2A patient, well preserved calf muscles in the LGMD2D patients and well preserved gluteal muscles in the LGMD2L patient.

LGMD2B (dysferlinopathy)

Dysferlinopathy is one of the more common forms of LGMD. One Italian study estimated this to be the cause of 18% of all LGMDs in their population [74]. Age of onset is variable (typically second to third decade of life) and progression is often slow [82]. Cardiomyopathy is not generally a feature in LGMD2B. Serum CK activity may be very high; often up to 40 times of normal levels. MRI studies have shown gluteal muscles, tensor fasciae latae, semitendinosus, semimembranosus, biceps femoris and triceps surae to be the most severely affected muscles [83]. Dysferlin-deficiency with more prominent involvement of the lower legs muscles is also known as Miyoshi myopathy. Immunoanalysis of dysferlin in muscle biopsies typically shows a lack of expression by immunohistochemistry and Western blotting.

LGMD2C, 2D, 2E, 2F, (The sarcoglycanopathies)

The sarcoglycanopathies combined account for 12% of all LGMD in an Italian population [84]. The four types (2C, 2D, 2E, 2F) relate to the specfic sarcoglycan protein which is missing, γ, α, β, δ, respectively. Phenotypically, sarcoglycanopathy resembles dystrophinopathy, with severe, progressive proximal muscular weakness [85]. Symptoms may present in early life – typically 4–7 years old – and presentation may occur up to the second decade. Respiratory failure and cardiomyopathy are common features and should be actively screened for. Serum CK activity is generally very high and the diagnosis is typically established by a lack or reduction of sarcoglycan expression on biopsies and genetic testing. Imaging studies have shown that in comparison to the thigh and shoulder girdle muscles, the calf muscles are fairly well preserved in patients with sarcoglycanopathies [86]. (See ‘Fig. 2’)

LGMD2G (telethoninopathy)

Telethoninopathy is described in only a small number of patients [39, 87] and onset of disease seems tomost frequently start in adolescence, with proximal anddistal limb weakness. Serum CK is moderately raised (up to 10 times normal levels). The diagnosis can be suggested by the lack of telethonin expression in bio-psies, which typically show a dystrophic pattern [88].

LGMD2I, 2K, 2M, 2N, 2O, 2P, 2T, 2U (The dystroglycanopathies)

Dystroglycanopathies are caused by defects in the dystroglycan complex, mainly through abnormalglycosylation of α-dystroglycan. Dystroglycan is present in many tissues throughout the body and is essential in function of myocytes and membrane stability [89]. The phenotypic spectrum of disease is highly variable, and presentation may be anywhere from the first to the fourth decade of life. LGMD2I is the most common of the dystroglycanopathies. Respiratory failure and cardiomyopathy are common features of this group, with myoglobinuria and myalgia also reported [90]. Serum CK is dependent on subtype, but ranges from moderately raised (5–10 times normal) to very high levels (up to 50 times normal). MRI studies have shown that the most severely affected muscles are: gastrocnemius, soleus, long head of the biceps femoris, semimembranosus and semitendinosus. The vastus lateralis, gracilis and sartorius are relatively spared [11]. On muscle biopsies most patients show an abnormal expression of α-dystroglycan.

LGMD2J (titinopathy)

The TTN gene has the largest number of exons and has the longest coding sequence of any known gene. Only recent advances in next generation sequencing have enabled diagnosis of more patients with mutations in this gene. Titinopathy is thought to be under-recognised due to the difficulties in diagnosis, and may be far more common than previously believed. Originally titinopathy was described in a family from Finland [91] with presentation of severe weakness in the first to third decades of life. Cardiomyopathy was not described in the original Finnish family; [91] however other mutations in titin have predisposed patients to cardiac involvement. Serum CK can be highly raised. Patients with mutations in the TTN gene may also present with distal weakness, severe respiratory involvement and characteristic features of a myofibrillar myopathy [92]. It can still be very challenging to confirm the diagnosis of LGMD2J and other titin-associated myopathies.

LGMD2L

LGMD2L is one of the most common forms of LGMD in Northern Europe and Canada. Onset of symptoms may be from the third decade of life onwards [12, 93]. Unlike most subtypes of LGMD, LGMD2L predominantly affects males although it is not fully understood why this appears to be the case. No cardiac involvement has been reported [93]. Serum CK levels are typically highly elevated and the diagnosis needs to be established genetically. An example of MRI findings is seen in ‘Fig. 2’.

Other LGMD subtypes

LGMD1D, 1F, and 1G are all described in very small numbers, and sometimes within single families. The age of presentation is varied, but typically onset is with proximal muscle weakness in adulthood. Serum CK in these subtypes may be normal or increased by ten times. The role of cardiac and respiratory involvement is not yet clear in these LGMD subtypes [26–28, 37, 94–96]. Patients with LGMD1D show similar features to patients with myofibrillar myopathies.

LGMD2H, 2Q, 2S, 2V, 2W are very rare LGMD subtypes and have only been described in a few cases, although LGMD2H is frequently diagnosed in the Hutterites due to a common founder mutation [40]. These subtypes typically present in the first to second decades. All of these subtypes give a rise in serum CK; in some cases as much as fifty times normal [8, 9, 53, 55, 97].

Differential diagnosis

LGMD is a group of highly heterogeneous disorders with many distinguishing features. A wide differential diagnostic spectrum should be considered, as several conditions may have similar presentations. Below are some conditions which have certain features in common with some of the LGMD subtypes.

DMD and BMD are more common than LGMD and are often suspected first. Dystrophinopathies may present with similar onset and patterns of weakness to some of the LGMD. Female carriers may also manifest mild proximal weakness and are easily misdiagnosed with LGMD [98]. It is likely that there are more female carriers of DMD and BMD than most of the LGMD subtypes. Genetic studies identifying the mutation in the DMD gene or immunohistochemical analysis are diagnostic.

In facioscapulohumeral muscular dystrophy (FSHD) the pattern of muscle weakness can be variable, and progression to facial features may not be seen for many years, leading to suspicions of LGMD. Confirmation of FSHD is through genetic testing [99].

Patients with spinal muscular atrophy (SMA) types II and III can present similarly to LGMD with progressive proximal muscle weakness. Diagnosis is confirmed with genetic testing to identify deletions of SMN1.

Patients with Emery Dreifuss muscular dystrophy (EDMD) also form an important differential diagnosis to LGMD. The most prominent sign of EDMD is cardiac involvement and arrhythmias and patients commonly present with progressive joint contractures, typically in elbow flexion, and hip girdle related weakness in the first decade of life [100].

Pompe disease is another differential diagnosis that needs to be considered in patients with limb girdle weakness. Pompe disease is highly variable in presentation and may present at any age from childhood to adulthood. It is diagnosed by a deficiency or reduction of glucosidase enzyme activity [101].

Bethlem myopathy, caused by mutations in any of the three genes for collagen VI, may present in early childhood or develop later in life and can form an important differential diagnosis to LGMD. Contractures are common and patients frequently present with skin changes that are suggestive of a collagen VI related disorder [102].

Acquired muscle diseases, such as polymyositis, dermatomyositis and inclusion body myositis can present with signs of proximal muscle weakness and elevated serum CK levels and may mimic a form of LGMD. History of skin changes, arthritis and elevation in inflammatory markers should be ascertained. Histological changes on muscle biopsy can be similar to types of LGMD, in particular LGMD2A, 2B and 2L, as all may show inflammatory infiltrates [103, 104]. Patients with refractory cases of inflammatory myositis, i.e. unresponsive to immunosuppression, should be investigated for LGMD as misdiagnosis is possible [105].

Diagnostic investigations

Thorough history and examination is vital in the first line of investigating patients with suspected neuromuscular disease. Features such as: age of onset, presence of cardiomyopathy or arrhythmia, ‘rippling’ muscles, or symptoms of rigid spine may give clues as to the subtype of LGMD. When considering any genetic condition, thorough family history is vital.

Serum CK is raised in the majority of the LGMD subtypes and should always been tested in patients with limb girdle weakness. The degree to which it is raised may provide diagnostic clues.

Genetic investigation in patients with progressive limb girdle weakness is directed by history, examination, specific family history and the results of other investigations such as electrophysiology, muscle imaging and muscle biopsy analysis.

Electrophysiology is useful to rule out some of the differential diagnoses such as neuromuscular junction disease, SMA III and neuropathies. LGMD electrophysiology findings are of nonspecific myopathic changes.

MRI is a non-invasive, highly sensitive way of assessing patients with suspected primary muscle disease, although it’s application is more useful for the differential diagnosis of congenital myopathies and myofibrillar myopathies than for LGMD. MRI is on the other hand particularly useful in assessing disease progression and in targeting muscle biopsy. Studies have investigated LGMD using MRI to investigate patterns of muscle involvement which can also help to direct genetic and immunohistochemical analysis [11, 81, 86, 94, 95].

A wide panel of immunohistochemical stains are used in analysis of muscle biopsy tissue. For many forms of LGMD muscle histology is nonspecific and may share several features with other neuromuscular disorders such as the dystrophinopathies. Histology findings include rimmed vacuoles, muscle regeneration, necrosis, macrophage infiltration and inflammation but are nonspecific to any of the LGMD subtypes. Immunohistochemical and Western blot analysis using a panel of antibodies greatly increases diagnostic capabilities and can either guide or confirm genetic testing [106]. Due to the highly population specific nature of some of the LGMD, a selection of the most common subtypes of LGMD are investigated initially in this way. Next generation sequencing (NGS) has been used to aid in identification of more genetic loci and subtypes of LGMD [107].

Management

To date, no cause-specific treatment is available for any of the LGMD subtypes. Limited evidence exists for response to immunomodulating therapies such as corticosteroids which has been reported to have some effects in some of the LGMDs [108, 109]. To date, only one large scale randomised controlled trial has assessed the effects of corticosteroids on LGMD. In 2008, Walter et al found no significant clinical benefit in giving Deflazacort to patients with LGMD 2B (dysferlinopathy) [110].

Supportive management is important with therapies being tailored to the subtype of LGMD and the individual’s needs. Specialist multidisciplinary management is vital. Physiotherapy and orthotic intervention is directed at aiding the individual to maintain independence and ambulance for as long as possible. Efforts should be focussed on prevention of contractures and orthopaedic referral where necessary [111]. Non maximal aerobic exercise should beencouraged.

Respiratory failure is a feature of many types of LGMD. Regular assessment of forced vital capacity via spirometry, and overnight pulse oximetry is very important. Interventions such as non-invasive ventilation and cough assist machines should be considered on an individual basis [112]. Several of the subtypes of LGMD are associated with cardiomyopathy and cardiac arrhythmias. Cardiologist review for those at risk is essential; this should include regular echocardiogram and ECG.

FUTURE RESEARCH

In the past, research into rare diseases has been hindered by small numbers of patients available on a regional and even national level. Multinational networks such as TREAT NMD [113] have been created to encourage research into rare neuromuscular conditions and to enable recruitment on a larger scale.

Multicentre, natural history studies are important in increasing our knowledge of LGMD. Ongoing long term follow up studies are looking at the measurable progression of LGMD 2I and LGMD 2B using both functional outcomes and MRI [67, 114]. Characterisation of the natural history of LGMD subtypes is the first step in developing LGMD subtype specific treatments with the involvement of funding agencies such as the European Union, NIH, patient organisations and pharmaceutical companies.

Patient registries are also important in research into rare disease. Registries give researchers the ability to contact and review details of patients with rare diseases across large geographical areas. Registries are available for LGMD 2A, 2B, 2C, 2D, 2I, 2K, 2M, 2N, and 2O [115–120].

Future avenues for research include gene therapy. Some success has been seen in ameliorating murine models of subtypes of LGMD [121–123]. Barriers to successful treatment with adeno-associated virus (AAVs) include difficulties in delivery to affected muscle and the size of molecule [124]. Functionality of a truncated protein in some LGMDs has been confirmed including dysferlin. Approaches such as gene transfer of ‘mini-dysferlin’ and exon skipping which can create a shortened but functional protein has been used in vitro and murine models [125, 126]. Another, non-subtype specific approach is to block myostatin, one of the body’s regulators of muscle growth [127]. Proteasome inhibition [128] and stem cell therapy are also under investigation [129]. With improved diagnostic tools, the identification of new drug targets and increased collaboration in the field or rare diseases, there is hope that more effective treatments will be developed for future use in patientswith LGMD.

CONFLICT OF INTEREST

The authors declare no conflict of interest.

DISCLOSURE STATEMENT

VS is or has been a principal investigator for trials sponsored by Genzyme/Sanofi, GSK, Prosensa/Biomarin, ISIS Pharmceuticals, and Sarepta. He received speaker honoraria from Genzyme/Sanofi, is a member of the international Pompe advisory board of Genzyme/ Sanofi, and has been on advisory boards for Acceleron Pharma, Audentes, Italfarmaco S.p.A., Nicox, Pfizer, Prosensa, Santhera and TrophyNOD. He also has a research collaboration with Ultragenyx and Genzyme/Sanofi.