Relative risks for comorbidities associated with myotonic dystrophy: A population-based analysis.

INTRODUCTION

A population-level relative risk assessment for comorbidities associated with myotonic dystrophy has not been performed.

METHODS

In this study we utilized the Utah Population Database to identify patients with myotonic dystrophy in Utah according to ICD-9 coding. Comorbidity cases listed in the medical record were compared with those of the Utah population.

RESULTS

Individuals with myotonic dystrophy were found to possess an increased risk of central and obstructive sleep apnea, hypothyroidism, and intellectual disability. The risk of cardiac conduction disorder is 60 times the population risk.

CONCLUSIONS

This study provides a population-level relative risk assessment of comorbidities in myotonic dystrophy. This allows for improved counseling of patients regarding these increased risks.