Genetic-epidemiological studies in progressive muscular dystrophy.

A genetic and epidemiological study is especially important in those hereditary diseases for which no effective treatment is known, since then genetic counselling is the only means of prevention. The progressive muscular dystrophies are typical conditions of this sort. Knowledge of the type of hereditary transmission for a given form of muscular dystrophy is the basis for correct genetic prognosis. Finding methods of detection of gene carriers is crucial for genetic counselling. Estimation of such parameters as relative fitness, mutation rate, incidence, and prevalance types of progressive muscular dystrophy is important not only from a purely academic point of view but also from a practical one as well. It is important for accurate planning of services such as rehabilitation centres, hostels for crippled children, hospital and sanatorium beds. For this reason we undertook a genetic and epidemiological study of muscular disease in Poland.