What is refractory polymyositis?
What is refractory polymyositis?
The disease is considered refractory if a patient has not responded after taking an adequate dose of steroids plus one other immunosuppressant for an adequate duration, and after other possible explanations for the poor response-myositis mimics (dystrophies, endocrinopathies, etc.)
What is the life expectancy of polymyositis?
With early treatment for polymyositis, remission is possible. The 5-year survival rate for adults with polymyositis, according to Merck Manual, is 75 to 80%. Death may result from consequences of severe and progressive muscle weakness. People who have cardiac or pulmonary involvement seem to have a worse prognosis.
What kind of doctor do I see for polymyositis?
Patients with dermatomyositis, polymyositis, or necrotizing myopathy are usually treated by rheumatologists. Those with dermatomyositis may also work with a dermatologist. Those with IBM are often treated by neurologists.
What drugs are used to treat polymyositis?
The two most common medications used for polymyositis are azathioprine (Azasan, Imuran) and methotrexate (Trexall). Other medications prescribed for polymyositis include mycophenolate mofetil (CellCept), cyclosporine and tacrolimus. Rituximab (Rituxan).
How quickly does IVIg work for myositis?
IVIg has the potential to swiftly reduce disease activity: IVIg acts relatively fast (days–weeks) in other immune-mediated diseases and efficacy has been reported in IIM patients [4–10].
Does Cellcept help polymyositis?
Overall it is felt to be safe and well tolerated. We have used mycophenolate mofetil for the treatment of inflammatory myopathy (polymyositis/dermatomyositis) in seven patients and hereby describe our initial experience.
What does polymyositis feel like?
Symptoms of polymyositis Polymyositis affects many different muscles, particularly around the neck, shoulders, back, hips and thighs. Symptoms of polymyositis include: muscle weakness. aching or painful muscles and feeling very tired.
What happens if polymyositis is left untreated?
If polymyositis is not treated, it can lead to severe complications. As the muscles become weaker, you may fall often and be limited in your daily activities. If the muscles in the digestive tract and chest wall are affected, you may have problems breathing (respiratory failure), malnutrition, and weight loss.
How bad is polymyositis?
What is the difference between myositis and polymyositis?
Myositis means inflammation of the muscles that you use to move your body. An injury, infection, or autoimmune disease can cause it. Two specific kinds are polymyositis and dermatomyositis. Polymyositis causes muscle weakness, usually in the muscles closest to the trunk of your body.
What is the difference between polymyositis and polymyalgia?
Polymyositis is an inflammatory, destructive, autoimmune muscle disease, usually with weakness but unusually with pain. Polymyalgia rheumatica is an inflammatory disease of muscle that always causes symmetrically painful muscles. Polymyalgia rheumatica is not destructive to muscles.
How can I tell if IVIG is working?
IVIg patients often begin to see results from their treatments anywhere from six months to one year. During this time, your doctor will closely monitor and track to see if there are improvements in relieving the symptoms associated with your primary diagnosis.
How to diagnose refractory polymyositis in adults?
Methods: Adults with refractory polymyositis (PM) and adults and children with refractory dermatomyositis (DM) were enrolled. Entry criteria included muscle weakness and ≥2 additional abnormal values on core set measures (CSMs) for adults.
How is rituximab used in the treatment of refractory adult myositis?
Rituximab in the treatment of refractory adult and juvenile dermatomyositis and adult polymyositis: a randomized, placebo-phase trial Although there were no significant differences in the 2 treatment arms for the primary and secondary end points, 83% of adult and juvenile myositis patients with refractory disease met the DOI.
Is there a difference between adult and juvenile myositis?
Conclusion: Although there were no significant differences in the 2 treatment arms for the primary and secondary end points, 83% of adult and juvenile myositis patients with refractory disease met the DOI. The role of B cell-depleting therapies in myositis warrants further study, with consideration for a different trial design.