re: Polimyositis

Long term treatment, therapeutic and medication, and long term prognosis?

That's a short question with a long answer! Undoubtedly, if you type 'polimyositis' in a medical searchengine (eg. on this site) you can get all the answers.

The most effective drugs in treating any type of myositis are corticosteroids. These drugs are related to hormones produced naturally in the body. Immunosuppressants is also an option and the most common ones used in myositis are methotrexate and azathioprine.
Treatmant: Exercise in moderation
A physiotherapy or exercise program is an important part of treating myositis. This can also include hydrotherapy, heat and gentle massage, or similar therapies. Adjusted the programme as the patient gets better and more has become independant and has a good understanding of his/her problem..
Researchers are studying how many different forms of myositis exist and how they are different from one another in their cause and treatment. They can get very old.

Although not common I have seen about 4 or 5 since working in rheumatology. I have found that early diagnosis is essential to minimise muscle damage. If undiagnosed and treated with exercise it can do more damage initially when they are in active disease. Therefore corticosteroids are best to control the inflammation. They are usually given a second line drug to prevent further increase in inflammatory markers. Once they have been given steroids they can begin to exercise gently. I have had good success with hydrotherapy. It is unlikely you will recover full power, it depends on how much damage has occurred to the muscles affected. A muscle biopsy usually diagnoses the problem but it can mimic other rheumatic diseases like polymyalgia. Dermatomyositis presents with rashes on the face, hands, lower limb.

Hope this helps. Please E-mail me if you want more info. [email protected]