AGSD-UK Annual Conference 2013

We are heading south west in 2013, to the Holiday Inn at Filton, Bristol, very close to the M32, M4 and M5 motorways. Dates 26/27 October. Details to follow.

Glycogen Storage Disease Type V (McArdle Disease)

Also known as myophosphorylase deficiency.

McArdle disease is a rare metabolic disorder which causes muscle pain in everyday activities and exercise. If activity is prolonged despite the pain then muscle damage ensues with the risk of muscle breakdown and kidney failure.

Symptoms are usually apparent during the first decade of life but many people do not manage to obtain a diagnosis until the third or fourth decade. Later in life some people with McArdle disease experience fixed muscle weakness, possibly from cumulative muscle damage. It is important for those with McArdle disease to take regular aerobic exercise such as walking and avoid anaerobic activities such as lifting heavy weights.

Type V summary
Symptoms Muscle pain on everyday activity and exercise.
Fatigue. Fixed contractures with rhabdomyolysis.
Secondary symptoms Raised urate level. Possible muscle wasting.
Treatment No specific treatment. Maintain healthy diet,
control weight, take gentle aerobic exercise.
Outlook Good with gentle aerobic exercise and
avoidance of anaerobic activity.

 

Coordinator

The Coordinator for Type V is Andrew Wakelin, who has McArdle's himself. (This is a voluntary unpaid role.) You can contact him via the Contact us page, or telephone him on 01597 860686.

 

 

About the disease

 

Exercise and McArdle Disease

 

Background information