[Hemopexin and muscular dystrophy. Diagnosis of carriers of the Duchenne form].

In twelve patients suffering from progressive muscular dystrophy of the Duchenne type and 26 female conductors, 27 patients presenting other forms of muscular dystrophy, 20 unconspicuous family members and in other neuromuscular affections, the haemopexin level was determined besides the cratinine kinase value. Pathological increases in the haemopexin level were found in 17 per cent of the Duchenne patients and in 19 per cent of the conductors as well as in various degrees in patients with other neuromuscular affections. Only eight per cent of the conductors showed an isolated increased haemopexin value, so that the question of a genetic control of the haemopexin level independent of a muscular affection arises. No additional information is obtained by the haemopexin determination for the recognition of conductors.