These postings are for people or their families affected by Ullrich or Bethlem Congenital Muscular Dystrophy. It is characterized by generalized muscle weakness, contractures of the proximal joints & hyperflexibility of the distal joints from birth. Also symptoms can include: respiratory complications, high-arched palate, excessive sweating, posterior protrusion of the calcaneus, and some or little progression. It can be diagnosed by a muscle & skin biopsy which shows a deficiency or mutation in the collagen VI gene. There is also a separate yahoogroup for families affected by Bethlem Myopathy.