LAMA2-MD (Merosin Deficient Congenital Muscular Dystrophy, MDC1A)

The goal of this observational study is to understand how young children with LAMA2-related dystrophy move and change over time. We will also learn about how this condition impacts other body systems. Participants will undergo: * Neuromuscular assessments * Blood collections * Swallowing and breathing assessments * Questionnaires

This is a monocentric, no-profit, retrospective and prospective observational cohort study conducted at IRCCS Ospedale San Raffaele. The study does not entail any additional procedures or interventions for participants. Biological samples (including blood/serum and muscle biopsies) are obtained for a previously approved study (LAMA2\_GUP24002) and collected under the existing BancaINSpe informed consent. For the present study, analyses will be performed on biospecimens already stored or that will be stored at BancaINSpe, using portions of material already collected for the LAMA2\_GUP24002 protocol.

The goal of this observational study is to learn about the natural history and multi-organ involvement of Laminin-Alpha-2-Related Dystrophy (LAMA2-RD) in pediatric and adult patients. The main questions it aims to answer are: * What is the prevalence and nature of cardiac involvement, and how do this relate to age and muscular phenotype? * What is the prevalence of peripheral neuropathy, and how do this relate to age and muscular phenotype? * What is the extent of respiratory, nutritional, skeletal, and cognitive/brain involvement, particularly in adults with more severe vs less severe phenotypes? * How does quality of life and transition to adulthood occur in individuals with LAMA2-RD? * Which nomenclature best reflects differences in disease severity and may support future clinical trial design? Study participants will: * Undergo retrospective and prospective clinical assessments every 12 months for 2 years across multiple centers. * A subset of adult participants (n=20) will receive cardiac MRI with contrast enhancement. * Provide biological samples during routine blood testing for future research.

The objective of this natural history study is to comprehensively characterize the disease progression and clinical features of LAMA2-related dystrophies (LAMA2-RD) in the pediatric population. The study aims to establish a well-defined cohort of patients in Spain, enabling long-term follow-up and facilitating recruitment for future clinical trials.