How to Prevent Mitochondrial Myopathy

Mitochondrial myopathy is any neuromuscular disease caused by damage to the mitochondria, which make energy available for a cell's use. These disorders are part of a group of findings that include encephalopathy, lactic acidosis, mitochondrial myopathy and stroke-like episodes (MELAS). Some of the more common mitochondrial myopathies include Kearns-Sayre syndrome and myoclonus epilepsy. The following steps will show how to prevent mitochondrial myopathy.

Instructions

• 1

  Perform a genetic analysis on prospective spouses. Mitochondrial myopathies have been associated with at least six different mutations, although four of them are in the same gene. The most significant mutations responsible for MELAS are at locus 3243 and are present in 80 percent of affected individuals.

• 2

  Engage in mild exercise that improves the aerobic capacity. This may be helpful in deterring mitochondrial myopathy, but strenuous exercise should be avoided because of the complication of rhabdomyolysis. Restrict exercise in patients with the potential for developing cardiomyopathy.

• 3

  Follow a proper diet. Adequate nutrition and hydration is especially important for someone with compromised mitochondrial functioning.

• 4

  Use nutritional supplements to prevent further deterioration in some cases of mitochondrial myopathy. The specific effect of nutritional supplements is unknown but may be beneficial and is unlikely to be harmful.

• 5

  Refrain from the use of certain drugs. Many prescription drugs, especially zidovudine, have been implicated as causes of mitochondrial myopathy. Other possible agents include antimalarials, colchicine, corticosteroids, lipid-lowering agents, penicillamine. Drugs with the potential for abuse such as alcohol and cocaine also are known to be involved in the development of various myopathies.