Can HIV cause myopathy?

HIV-associated myopathy is clinically and pathologically similar to autoimmune polymyositis in HIV-negative patients. It occurs at all stages of HIV disease, and is characterized by slowly progressive, proximal, and symmetric weakness. Myalgias are often present but are not specific.

What causes nemaline myopathy?

This disease is caused by a variety of genetic defects, each one affecting one of the filament proteins required for muscle tone and contraction. It can be inherited in an autosomal recessive or autosomal dominant pattern, meaning it can be produced by defective genes contributed by either one or both parents.

Is nemaline myopathy fatal?

Six different clinical subtypes of nemaline myopathy have been identified based on disease severity and age of onset, ranging from a severe congenital-onset (at birth) form that is usually lethal in the first few months of life, through to less severe forms with onset in childhood or adulthood.

Which ARV drug causes muscle weakness?

Zidovudine was the first antiretroviral drug to be reported to cause myopathy, when patients presented with myalgia, muscle tenderness and weakness (31). This myopathy is mediated via mitochondrial disease and can be seen with the use of other nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitors but less commonly so (50).

What are nemaline rods made of?

These rods or nemaline bodies are derived from Z lines (also known as Z discs or Z disks) and have a similar lattice structure and protein content. Their shape in patients with mutations in KLHL40 and LMOD3 is distinctive and can be useful for diagnosis.

Is nemaline myopathy a form of muscular dystrophy?

NM shortens life expectancy, particularly in the more severe forms, but aggressive and proactive care allows most individuals to survive and even lead active lives. Nemaline myopathy is one of the neuromuscular diseases covered by the Muscular Dystrophy Association in the United States.

What is nemaline myopathy type 5?

Nemaline myopathy type 5 is a severe and progressive form common among Old Order Amish. Affected infants display tremors with hypotonia and mild contractures of the shoulders and hips.

Does myopathy go away?

No, there is not a cure for myopathy itself. However, it can be treated to improve symptoms. If myopathy is related to an illness, like a virus or electrolyte imbalance, the muscle symptoms will improve when the underlying condition resolves. Immunosuppressants can help relieve symptoms of certain types of myopathy.

What is Nemaline Rod?

Nemaline myopathy (also called rod myopathy or nemaline rod myopathy) is a congenital, often hereditary neuromuscular disorder with many symptoms that can occur such as muscle weakness, hypoventilation, swallowing dysfunction, and impaired speech ability.