Disease/Disorder: Polymyositis
Common Name: Polymyositis
Age of Onset: Tends to develop between the ages of 50 and 70 years, yet it can possibly occur at any age.
Duration: When treament is provided most people recover from this disease. Yet it is possible to die from complications.
Males/Females/Equal: Polymyositis is more common in women than men though it can affect either sex.
Cause: The exact cause of polymyositis is unknown, yet is is believed to be an autimmune disorder triggered by a viral infection of muscle tissue. People at a greater risk for polymyositis include those who already have a connective tissue disease, such as rheumatoid arthritis or scleroderma. Or have family members who already have a connective tissue disease, so there could be a genetic susceptibilty.
Symptoms: Polymyositis triggers inflammation and muscle weakness. The shoulders and hips are usually affected first with muscle pain. There is also fatigue, breathlessness, swallowing dificulties, tremors (particularly in the hands), wide-footed stance and walking style, clumsiness, and the tendency to fall over.
Prognosis (progression of disease): Polymyositis develops gradually over weeks and months and by the time a person experiences the symptoms, he/she have already lost about half of his/her muscle fibers to the disease. At first, there is significant muscle weakness, such as where the arms are not even able to lift above shoulder height. Then the muscles of the larynx are affected and the person's voice will change. This is followed by swallowing and peristalsis (muscular contractions of the bowels) difficulties. Later, the disease may cause abnormal shortening of the muscles.
Treatment Options: Corticosteriods can be used to reduce the activity of the immune system and reduce inflammation. Plasmapheresis is a procedure in which the antibodies responsible for attacking muscle tissue are removed from the bloodstream. Also, immunosuppressive drugs or immunoglobulin can be administered. Finally, there is always physical therapy which helps strengthen muscles.
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