HEMOPHILIC NEURO-MYOPATHY

Hemophilic patients were examined neurologically and had varying degrees of muscle atrophy. The pathogenesis of the atrophy was investigated by electromyography (EMG), serum muscle enzyme levels and muscle biopsies. In most cases the EMG showed such abnormalities as reduced numbers of functioning motor units and myopathic motor unit potentials. Serum enzyme levels were frequently raised, and type 2 fiber atrophy was found in the 3 patients who underwent muscle biopsy. The presence of neuromyopathic involvement in hemophilic patients is suggested.