Over the past decade there have been major advances in defining the genetic basis of the majority of congenital myopathy subtypes. However the relationship between each congenital myopathy, defined on histological grounds, and the genetic cause is complex. Many of the congenital myopathies are due to mutations in more than one gene, and mutations in the same gene can cause different muscle pathologies. The International Standard of Care Committee for Congenital Myopathies performed a literature review and consulted a group of experts in the field to develop a summary of (1) the key features common to all forms of congenital myopathy and (2) the specific features that help to discriminate between the different genetic subtypes. The consensus statement was refined by two rounds of on-line survey, and a three-day workshop. This consensus statement provides guidelines to the physician assessing the infant or child with hypotonia and weakness. We summarise the clinical features that are most suggestive of a congenital myopathy, the major differential diagnoses and the features on clinical examination, investigations, muscle pathology and muscle imaging that are suggestive of a specific genetic diagnosis to assist in prioritisation of genetic testing of known genes. As next generation sequencing becomes increasingly used as a diagnostic tool in clinical practise, these guidelines will assist in determining which sequence variations are likely to be pathogenic.

Permanent closure of the ductus arteriosus requires loss of cells from the muscle media and development of neointimal mounds, composed in part of proliferating endothelial cells. We hypothesized that postnatal ductus constriction produces hypoxia of the inner vessel wall; we also hypothesized that hypoxia might lead to cell death and the production of vascular endothelial cell growth factor (VEGF), a hypoxia-inducible growth factor that stimulates endothelial proliferation. We mapped the distribution of hypoxia in newborn baboons and correlated it with the appearance of cell death (TUNEL technique), VEGF expression, and endothelial proliferation (proliferating cell nuclear antigen expression). In the full-term baboon (n=10), the ductus was functionally closed on Doppler examination by 24 h after delivery. Regions of the ductus where the lumen was most constricted were associated with moderate/intense hypoxia; VEGF expression was increased in the hypoxic muscle media, and luminal endothelial cells, adjacent to the hypoxic media, were proliferating. Cells in the most hypoxic regions of the ductus wall were undergoing DNA fragmentation. In contrast, regions of the ductus with mild degrees of hypoxia had no evidence of cell death, VEGF expression, or endothelial proliferation. Cell death and endothelial proliferation seemed to be limited to regions of the full-term ductus experiencing moderate/intense hypoxia. In the premature baboon (67% gestation) (n=24), only 29% closed their ductus by Doppler examination before d 6. None of the premature baboons, including those with a closed ductus by Doppler, had evidence of moderate/intense hypoxia; also, there was no evidence of cell death, VEGF expression, endothelial proliferation, or neointima formation by d 6. Therefore, the premature ductus is resistant to developing hypoxia, even when its lumen is constricted; this may make it susceptible to later reopening.

Recent progress in scientific research has facilitated accurate genetic and neuropathological diagnosis of congenital myopathies. However, given their relatively low incidence, congenital myopathies remain unfamiliar to the majority of care providers, and the levels of patient care are extremely variable. This consensus statement aims to provide care guidelines for congenital myopathies. The International Standard of Care Committee for Congenital Myopathies worked through frequent e-mail correspondences,

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