THE ENDOCRINE ORIGIN OF MUSCULAR DYSTROPHY

Abstract

<h3>SCOPE OF THE PRESENT COMMUNICATION</h3> Certain clinical and pathologic observations suggest that muscular dystrophy may originate as a result of dysfunction of the endocrine organs. Such a view requires, however, the support of evidence of metabolic nature before it can be regarded as acceptable. In the present investigation the metabolism in nine cases of muscular dystrophy was accordingly studied. In addition to certain disturbances in the creatinin-creatin metabolism, there was observed constant hypoglycemia and impaired utilization of carbohydrate. The metabolic picture presented is essentially the same as that recorded in the diseases of unquestionable endocrine origin (myxedema, hypopituitarism and Addison's disease) and after experimental removal of the thyroid or adrenal glands in animals. In view of these metabolic findings, also the clinical as well as pathologic, it seems justifiable to regard muscular dystrophy a result of dysfunction of the ductless glands. <h3>CLINICAL MATERIAL</h3> This was selected from the neurologic wards