Polymyositis
Polymyositis is and autoimmune that attacks the muscles
and is commonly connected to Dermatomyositis. Polymyositis
is grouped classified as a connective tissue autoimmune
disorder, since muscles are connective tissues within
the body.
Some of the initial symptoms of Polymyositis may
include weakness, pain and fatigue in the muscles,
sclerodactyly, difficulty swallowing and other esophageal
dysmotility. Polymyositis causes the muscle fibers
to inflame, fatigue and weaken, and is mostly noticed
in the upper legs. Physical activity will worsen the
symptoms, such as walking, or may be felt in the lower
back when trying to rise from a seated position. The
disorder may start of with slight muscle fatigue and
weakness but progressively worsen to a point where
mobility is affected.
Interstitial lung disease often manifests with Polymyositis
and is often associated with other autoimmune conditions,
especially other connective tissue disorders such
as Rheumatoid Arthritis, Lupus, Scleroderma and Dermatomyositis.
When symptoms of all of the above are present, but
there doesn't seem to be a dominant disorder for a
complete diagnosis, then it it commonly called Mixed
Connective Tissue Disease or Disorder. The earlier
detection and treatment, the better the outlook for
the patient. Left untreated, complications such as
cancers, calcium deposits (especially in children),
heart disease, lung disease and abdominal complications
can result.
Symptoms:
Difficulty climbing stairs
Difficulty standing up
Difficulty swallowing
Loss of muscle mass
Low grade fever
Muscle weakness
Swollen lymph nodes
Thickening of the skin on the fingers
Diagnosis:
Diagnosis Polymyositis tends to rely on the medical
history of symptoms, a physical exam, possible muscle
biopsy and Electromyograph alteration (EMG). Blood
tests may also show:
Elevated Creatine Kinase
Elevated Aldolase
Positive Anti-Nuclear Antibody (ANA)
Elevated Aspartate Transaminase
Elevated Lactate Dehydrogenase
Treatment:
There is no cure for Polymyositis, so typical treatment
is aimed at symptom management. High-dose steroid
bursts may be used to help control inflammation. Immunosuppressant
therapy is also used to reduce the immune response
causing the disorder. Antibody therapy such as Intravenous
immunoglobulin (IVIg) has also show positive results
in blocking the antibodies attacking the muscles.
Prognosis:
In many patients, the Polymyositis will go into periods
of remission and relapse on it's own while other patients'
need immunosuppressant therapy and lifestyle adjustments
to control their symptoms. When treated, the prognosis
for most patients is quite good. Left untreated, sever
complications and even death can result from the disorder.
Early detection and treatment are very important.
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