Disease Directory Ullrich Congenital Muscular Dystrophy
Neuromuscular

Ullrich Congenital Muscular Dystrophy

Also known as: UCMD, Ullrich CMD, COL6-related dystrophy severe

Prevalence

Less than 1 in 100,000

Onset

Birth or early infancy

Type

Autosomal recessive (most commonly) or dominant

Gene

COL6A1/A2/A3

About Ullrich Congenital Muscular Dystrophy

Ullrich Congenital Muscular Dystrophy is the severe end of the COL6-related myopathy spectrum, caused by bi-allelic loss-of-function or dominant negative mutations in COL6A1, COL6A2, or COL6A3. It presents at birth with profound hypotonia, proximal joint contractures, and distal joint hyperlaxity, and is associated with progressive respiratory failure requiring ventilatory support, typically within the first decade. Most affected individuals never achieve independent ambulation.

Common Clinical Features

Neonatal hypotonia (floppy infant) Proximal joint contractures with distal hyperlaxity Progressive respiratory insufficiency requiring NIV Kyphoscoliosis Protruding calcanei Follicular hyperkeratosis Feeding difficulties in infancy

Clinical Trial Eligibility Tips

What to know before applying to Ullrich Congenital Muscular Dystrophy trials.

Respiratory function (FVC% predicted in sitting and supine positions) is a key eligibility criterion and primary endpoint in most trials; obtain pulmonary function tests before applying

Bi-allelic COL6 mutation confirmation via sequencing is standard, though muscle biopsy showing absent or markedly reduced collagen VI by immunofluorescence is often requested alongside

Trials targeting UCMD may have age restrictions; paediatric-specific trials are more commonly available for this early-onset subtype

Patient Resources

Patient Organization

Cure CMD

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Natural History Registry

CMDIR

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Orphanet

European reference resource for rare diseases (ORPHA:75840)

View on Orphanet ↗

NORD

National Organization for Rare Disorders

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Find recruiting Ullrich Congenital Muscular Dystrophy trials

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