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| Autoimmune Diseases: Dermatomyositis and Polymyositis |
| This page was written by Shelley Ensz, and has not yet been medically edited. See Disclaimer. |
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| What are Myopathies? |
| Myopathies. Myopathy is the medical term for muscle disease. There are many causes of muscle disease, such as infection, muscle injury due to medications, inherited diseases affecting muscle function, disorders of electrolyte levels, and thyroid disease. Some of these disorders, such as polymyositis, dermatomyositis and inclusion body myositis, develop when the immune system attacks muscles. This inflammation damages muscle tissue and makes them weak. American College of Rheumatology. |
| Concomitant diseases in a cohort of patients with idiopathic myositis (IIM) during long-term follow-up. There is significant steroid-related morbidity in adult IIM patients under long-term follow-up. The prevalence of another concomitant auto-immune disease unlike patients with lupus or Sjogren's syndrome is low. (SpringerLink) K.P. Ng. Clinical Rheumatology. April 23 2009. |
| Pregnancy Outcome In Egyptian Scleroderma Patients. The subclinical vasculopathy occurring during and even before disease onset can explain the higher proportion of abortions, premature children and delay in conception of the SSc patients. There is an association between myositis and reduced abortion which needs further investigation including the effect of the drugs used should be considered. H.E. El-Sherif. FRI0267. EULAR 2008. (Also see; Pregnancy and Scleroderma) |
| Combined Therapy With Prednisone, Cyclosporine And Methotrexate In Patients With Idiopathic Inflammatory Myopathies. Combined treatment with prednisone, cyclosporine and methotrexate seems to be effective, safe and well tolerated in patients with inflammatory myopathy. A good response was seen in terms of muscle straight, QOL, creatin-kinase levels and reduction in steroids dosage. G. J. Tobon AB0536 EULAR 2007. |
| Long Term Survival Study Of Adult Onset Idiopathic Inflammatory Myopathies; A Single Centre Experience. Adult onset dermatomyositis presenting with respiratory or pharyngeal muscle weakness portends poor prognosis. Most patients continued to need long term immunosuppressive therapy. V. Agarwal THU0229 EULAR 2007. |
| What is Dermatomyositis? |
| Dermatomyositis. "Dermatomyositis is an acute inflammatory condition of skin and muscle." Dr. Thomas Lehman. |
| What is Dermatomyositis? National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke. |
| Dermatomyositis signature pattern in the blood is found. The researchers said the finding might lead to an alternative diagnostic tool, rather than a more invasive muscle biopsy now needed to identify the condition in which the immune system overreacts in some way to attack some part of the body. Earthtimes.org 04/03/07. |
| Dermatomyositis represents a progressive autoimmune disease of the connective tissue with SLE-like dermatitis, with inflammatory myopathy and muscular weakness. It is an infrequent and serious disease affecting not only the skin and striated muscle. Cases without skin affection are classified as polymyositis. Cutaneous symptoms can precede myositis with various time intervals; such situation is sometimes classified as Amyopathic dermatomyositis (ADM), dermatitis sine myositis or skin dermatomyositis. PubMed. Cas Lek Cesk. 2003;142(11):648-50. |
| Paediatric idiopathic inflammatory muscle disease. Juvenile dermatomyositis has a significantly different spectrum of disease from adult dermatomyositis. Juvenile myositis can also occur as part of other systemic autoimmune diseases such as scleroderma and systemic lupus erythematosus. PubMed. Best Pract Res Clin Rheumatol. 2004 Jun;18(3):345-58. (Also see: Juvenile Scleroderma) |
| What is Polymyositis? |
| What is Polymyositis? It is a muscle disease featuring inflammation of the muscle fibers, typically those closest to the trunk or torso. This results in weakness that can be severe. MedicineNet.com. |
Distribution and severity of weakness among patients with polymyositis (PM), dermatomyositis (DM) and juvenile dermatomyositis. Our findings suggest a greater severity of proximal weakness in PM in comparison with DM. M.O. Harris-Love. Rheumatology Advance Access. Dec 11 2008. |
| C1D is a major autoantibody target in patients with the polymyositis-scleroderma overlap syndrome. Our results demonstrate that the recently identified exosome-associated protein C1D is a major autoantigen in patients with the PM-scleroderma overlap syndrome and suggest that the use of recombinant C1D as an autoantibody target may aid in diagnosis of the PM-scleroderma overlap syndrome. Arthritis and Rheumatism. Volume 56, Issue 7, Pages 2449 - 2454. (Also see: Antibodies and Overlap Syndrome) |
| Nun's rare illness spurs new approach to life. Mercy Sister Peggy Mahoney, director of planned giving for the Wilmington Diocese, was diagnosed in 2003 with polymyositis, an autoimmune disease marked by weakness and inflammation of the muscles – usually beginning with those closest to and within the trunk of the body, such as the neck, shoulders, hips and back, according to the Myositis Association. Catholic Online. 03/29/06. |
| A human T-cell lymphotropic virus type-1 (HTLV-1) carrier complicated with various autoimmune diseases including primary biliary cirrhosis. A 47-year-old woman diagnosed as having overlap syndrome with scleroderma, systemic lupus erythematosus and possible polymyositis associated with primary biliary cirrhosis. (The tests) suggest the possibility of a relationship between HTLV-1 infection and various autoimmune disorders including primary biliary cirrhosis. PubMed. Hepatol Res. 2005 Feb 7. (Also see: Overlap Syndrome, Liver Involvement, and Lupus) |
| Polymyositis induced or associated with lipid-lowering drugs; Five cases. Muscular symptoms in patients taking cholesterol-lowering drugs could be the first symptom of a polymyositis revealed or increased by this treatment and must encourage the physician in antinuclear antibody screening, especially in case of proximal muscular weakness and increased muscle enzyme levels. PubMed. Rev Med Interne. 2004 Apr;25(4):294-298. |
| The role of Jo-1 in the immunopathogenesis of polymyositis: current hypotheses. Collectively, these findings suggest a mechanism by which Jo-1 can bridge the innate and adaptive immune responses, leading to the breakdown of tolerance and autoimmune destruction of muscle. PubMed. Curr Rheumatol Rep. 2003 Dec;5(6):425-30. |
| Anti-Signal Recognition Particle Autoantibody Not Specific Only For Polymyositis (PM). The authors conclude that "although anti-SRP remains an autoantibody specific for PM, it is occasionally detected in patients with other immunologic syndromes in the absence of PM." Doctor's Guide. 02/05/04 Arthritis Rheum 2004 Jan;50:1:209-15. |
| PM-SCL autoantibody positive scleroderma with polymyositis (mechanic's hand: clinical aid in the diagnosis). The recently observed overlapping syndrome is characterized by the presence of specific autoantibodies, HLA-type association and benign course. A new skin symptom ('mechanic's hands') predicts the disease, in particular the interstitial lung pathology, which is its most relevant internal manifestation. PubMed. J Eur Acad Dermatol Venereol. 2004 May;18(3):356-9. (Also see: Overlap Syndrome,, Pulmonary Fibrosis and Antibodies) |
| Mycophenolate Mofetil (MMF) for Treatment of Pulmonary Fibrosis in Patients with Systemic Sclerosis (PSS) and Polymyositis. Treatment with MMF in patients with pulmonary fibrosis in systemic sclerosis as well as in polymyositis might be an effective therapy. In 3 patients we also saw an improvement in the function of other organs, involved in systemic sclerosis, such as scleroderma and myocarditis. R. Bergner. FRI0330 EULAR 2004. (Also see: Pulmonary Fibrosis, Overlap Syndrome, and Medications) |
| Symptoms of Dermatomyositis and Polymyositis |
| Polymyositis with dysphagia treated with endoscopic balloon dilatation. We report a case of an 80-year-old man who was referred to our clinic with a chief complaint of dysphagia and muscle weakness in all four limbs. The patient was diagnosed with polymyositis. Endoscopic balloon dilation was performed and dysphagia improved on the same day. Therefore, we suggest that this method is a safe and effective approach for polymyositis with dysphagia. (PubMed) H. Nagano. Auris Nasus Larynx. May 28 2009. |
| Interstitial lung disease (ILD) in polymyositis and dermatomyositis (PM/DM): Longitudinal evaluation by pulmonary function and radiology. ILD associated with PM/DM is in most cases mild, chronic, and has a nonprogressive course during immunosuppressive treatment. Myositis patients with ILD need careful evaluation of clinical features as well as Pulmonary function test and radiologic features during followup. (Wiley Interscience) Arthritis Care & Research 25 April 2008 (Also see: Pulmonary Fibrosis). |
| High-Resolution Computed Tomography Characterization of Interstitial Lung Diseases (ILD) in Polymyositis/dermatomyositis (PM/DM). The prognosis of ILD associated with DM differs from that with PM. Mortality rates were 12% and 44% for ILD associated with PM and DM, respectively. J Rheumatol 2008;35:260-9. |
| Proliferative vascular retinopathy in polymyositis and dermatomyositis with scleroderma (overlap syndrome). Retinal vascular occlusion with development of proliferative changes can occur in polymyositis/dermatomyositis. PubMed. Ocul Immunol Inflamm. 2007 Jan-Feb;15(1):45-9. (Also see: Overlap Syndrome, and Eye Involvement) |
| Signs of inflammation in both symptomatic and asymptomatic muscles from patients with polymyositis and dermatomyositis. Presence of inflammatory infiltrates on muscle fibres were independent of clinical symptoms. Other factors seem to determine the development of clinical symptoms. Annals of the Rheumatic Diseases 2006;65:1565-1571. |
| Role of Endothelial Damage in the Pathogenesis of Interstitial Pneumonitis in Patients with Polymyositis and Dermatomyositis. Our data suggest that endothelial damage might play an important role through the production of fibrosis-enhancing factors such as TGF-ß or ET-1 in PM/DM. J Rheumatol 2006 May;33:903-6. (Also see: Pulmonary Involvement) |
| Bilateral Ocular Myositis as a Late Complication of Dermatomyositis. We describe a 30-year-old man with a 2-month history of eyelid edema, erythema, and orbital pain, occurring in the course of previously undiagnosed and untreated dermatomyositis (DM). Although ocular myositis is a very rare manifestation of DM, it might be overlooked by clinicians who are not aware of this complication. J. Rheumatol No. 2 February 2005;32:379-81. |
| Nailfold digital capillaroscopy in 447 patients with connective tissue disease and Raynaud's disease. The scleroderma capillary pattern is often present in SSc and dermato/polymyositis. Therefore, capillarmicroscopy seems to be a useful tool for the early selection of those patients who are potential candidates for developing scleroderma spectrum disorders. PubMed. J Eur Acad Dermatol Venereol. 2004 Jan;18(1):62-68. (Also see: Raynaud's) |
| The Myositis Cutaneous Assessment Tool (MCAT): A New Approach to the Assessment of Cutaneous Disease and Damage in Adult and Juvenile Dermatomyositis. The MCAT is a new instrument that identifies and evaluates a broad range of skin findings in dermatomyositis with the purpose of establishing a standardized approach for recognizing and assessing cutaneous disease activity, severity and damage. E. Dugan. SP0100 EULAR 2003. (Also see: Overlap Syndrome) |
| A rare complication of generalized edema in juvenile dermatomyositis: a report of one case. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) of the lower extremities and pelvis showed marked diffuse edema in the subcutaneous tissue, muscles and myofascia. We suggest that MRI findings, which are not among the diagnostic criteria, may also be included in the diagnostic criteria of JDM. PubMed. Brain Dev. 2004 Jun;26(4):269-72. |
| Severe Central Nervous System Involvement in Juvenile Dermatomyositis. Although rarely reported, CNS vasculopathy can be a serious and life-threatening complication of JDM. J Rheumatology. VOLUME 30: NO. 9 SEPTEMBER 2003;30:2059-63. |
| Diagnosis of Dermatomyositis and Polymyositis |
| Imaging tools for the clinical assessment of idiopathic inflammatory myositis. In suspected myositis, muscle imaging should be strongly considered prior to obtaining a muscle biopsy. Future research should prospectively study the use of muscle imaging in the evaluation of treatment response and muscle function. (PubMed) Walker UA. Curr Opin Rheumatol. November 2008. |
| Inflammatory myopathies in childhood: correlation between nailfold capillaroscopy findings and clinical and laboratory data. A relationship has been observed in adults between improved capillaroscopic findings and reduced disease activity. PubMed. J. Pediatr (Rio J). 2006 January/February;82(1):40-45. (Also see: Juvenile Scleroderma, and Raynaud's Diagnosis) |
| The handheld dermatoscope as a nail-fold capillaroscopic instrument. The unmodified hand-held dermatoscope may be used as a capillaroscopic instrument to detect a scleroderma-dermatomyositis pattern and to help the dermatologist in the clinical diagnosis of connective tissue disorders. PubMed. Arch Dermatol. 2003 Aug;139(8):1027-30.(Also see: Types of Scleroderma) |
| Scleroderma and Dermatomyositis, Polymyositis |
| Dyspnoea in Systemic Sclerosis. Diffuse systemic sclerosis/myositis overlap is a known entity. Anti PmScl antibodies are seen in 40-50% of patients and are associated with positive HLA-DR3. Consider muscle disease as the cause for dyspnoea and dysphagia in systemic sclerosis. N. R. Priddee. SAT0228 EULAR 2006. (Also see: Pulmonary Hypertension and Antibodies) |
| Rare autoimmune rheumatic illnesses during pregnancy: systemic sclerosis, polymyositis/dermatomyositis and vasculitis. Autoimmune rheumatic diseases (ARD) affect young females durrng childbearing age. Over the last decades, improvements in survival as well as quality of life in patients affected with ARD have led to an increased number of pregnancies observed during the course of such diseases. PubMed. Z Rheumatol. 2006 May 3. (Also see: Pregnancy and Scleroderma and Vasculitis) |
| Clinical Aspects of Systemic Sclerosis Overlap Syndromes. The association of systemic sclerosis (SSc) with other connective tissue diseases (dermato/polymyositis (DM/PM), rheumatoid arthritis (RA) et al) is poorly understood and is an actively discussed clinical problem. SSc-PM/DM and SSc-RA overlaps occur most often. O. V. Desinova. AB0191 EULAR 2005. (Also see: What is Scleroderma?, Overlap Syndrome and Rheumatoid Arthritis) |
| Anti-Ku antibody-positive scleroderma-dermatomyositis overlap syndrome developing Graves' disease and immune thrombocytopenic purpura. Graves' disease (GD) has been reported to be frequently complicated with other autoimmune diseases. However, it is rarely complicated with scleroderma-polymyositis overlap syndrome. PubMed. Intern Med 2002 Dec;41(12):1199-203. (Also see Overlap Syndrome and Grave's Disease) |
| Treatments for Dermatomyositis and Polymyositis |
| Intravenous Immunoglobulin Therapy (IVIG) for Refractory Interstitial Lung Disease (ILD) Associated with Polymyositis/Dermatomyositis (PM/DM). IVIG treatment is safe and could be an effective salvage therapy for refractory ILD-PM/DM in certain cases. (SpringerLink) Y.Suzuki. Lung. April 22 2009. |
| Effects of immunosuppressive treatment on microsomal prostaglandin E synthase 1 and cyclooxygenases expression in muscle tissue of patients with polymyositis or dermatomyositis. Increased expression of mPGES-1, COX-1 and COX-2 at protein level was observed in muscle tissue from patients with myositis compared to healthy individuals. Conventional immunosuppressive treatment led to a significant downregulation of COX-2 in myositis muscle tissue. However, the expression of mPGES-1 and COX-1 remained unchanged indicating a role of these enzymes in the chronicity of these diseases. Annals of the Rheumatic Diseases 2008;67:1596-1602. |
| Molecular effects of exercise in patients with inflammatory rheumatic disease. Resistance exercise training can reduce the expression of genes involved in inflammation and fibrosis in patients with myositis, and in vitro mechanical loading of chondrocytes can suppress the expression of proinflammatory cytokines, indicating that exercise can also reduce inflammation in the local tissue environment. (PubMed) Lundberg IE. Nat Clin Pract Rheumatol. October 7, 2008. |
| Home Intravenous Immunoglobulin Therapy Safe in Patients With Neuroimmunological Disorders. Intravenous (IV) immunoglobulin therapy has a favourable safety profile for patients with neuroimmunological disorders such as Guillain-Barré Syndrome, chronic inflammatory demyelinating polyneuropathy, myasthaenia gravis, polymyositis, dermatomyositis, and multifocal motor neuropathy. Doctor's Guide Channel. 04/18/08. (Also see: IVIg and Guillain-Barré Syndrome) |
| Dermatomyositis and Polymyositis Associated with Malignancy: A 21-year Retrospective Study. In patients with tumor-associated myositis, it was more frequently necessary to administer other immunosuppressive drugs along with glucocorticoids. J Rheumatol 2008;35:438-44. |
| Limited effects of high-dose intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIG) treatment on molecular expression in muscle tissue of patients with inflammatory myopathies. The clinical effects of high-dose IVIG on muscle function in patients with refractory inflammatory active myositis did not correspond to effects on any of the investigated molecules in our study. Annals of the Rheumatic Diseases 2007;66:1276-1283. (Also see: IVIg and Medications) |
| Rituximab For Refractory Polymyositis: An Open-Label Prospective Study. Rituximab is an option to be considered in refractory polymyositis and further controlled trials are necessary to confirm its efficacy. C. C. Mok THU0292 EULAR 2007. |
| University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine Given $8 Million to Research a Drug for Myositis. The study will test a drug called rituximab in adults and also in children diagnosed with dermatomyositis one of the forms of myositis that causes muscle weakness and a rash. It will also be tested in adults with a version called polymyositis. This one does not produce a rash. The People's Media Company. 08/15/07. |
| Pulmonary Fibrosis In Systemic Sclerosis (SSc) And Dermatomyositis (DM) Demonstrates Marked Improvement After Administration Of Mycophenolate Mofetil (MMF/Cellcept). MMF's immunomodulatory and inhibitory effects on fibroblasts and other non-immune cells and a well established low side effect profile with high tolerance make MMF a potential alternative to cyclophosphamide in the treatment of SSc or DM related interstitial lung disease. L. A. Saketkoo THU0315 EULAR 2007. (Also see: Pulmonary Fibrosis) |
| Combined Therapy With Prednisone, Cyclosporine And Methotrexate In Patients With Idiopathic Inflammatory Myopathies. Combined treatment with prednisone, cyclosporine and methotrexate seems to be effective, safe and well tolerated in patients with inflammatory myopathy. A good response was seen in terms of muscle straight, QOL, creatin-kinase levels and reduction in steroids dosage. G. J. Tobon AB0536 EULAR 2007. |
| Treatment Resistant Anti-Srp Positive Polymyositis Successfully Treated With Autologous Peripheral Blood Stem Cell Transplantation. This is the first report on a successful autologous peripheral blood stem cell transplantation in a patient with treatment resistant anti-SRP positive polymyositis. J. C. Henes. AB0504 EULAR 2007. |
| Benefits of intensive resistance training in patients with chronic polymyositis or dermatomyositis. Patients with chronic, stable PM and DM can perform this intensive resistive exercise program with beneficial effects on impairment and activity limitation without increased muscle inflammation. InterScience. Arthritis Care & Research. Vol 57, Issue 5, pp 768-777. |
| Discovery May Lead to Novel Treatments for Autoimmune and Chronic Inflammatory Diseases. Some researchers have shown that IVIG works, in part, by activating a receptor known as FcγRIIb, which then suppresses auto-antibody-mediated inflammation. Newswise. 01/26/07. (Also see: Clinical Trials: Positive Results: IVIG, Medications, and Myasthenia Gravis) |
| Intravenous cyclophosphamide (IVCYC) therapy for progressive interstitial pneumonia in patients with polymyositis/dermatomyositis (PM/DM). In this open-label study, IVCYC improved symptoms, pulmonary function tests and high-resolution computed tomography findings in patients with PM/DM. Rheumatology 2007 46(1):124-130. (Also see: Cytoxan and Medications). |
| Two simple, reliable and valid tests of proximal muscle function, and their application to the management of idiopathic inflammatory myositis. Both tests are responsive to changes in disease activity, offer physiological and practical advantages over existing tests and are suitable for use in clinical practice. Rheumatology 2006 45(7):874-879 |
| B Cell Targeted Therapies in Autoimmune Diseases. In addition to rheumatoid arthritis, B cells are likely to play a significant role in the development of other autoimmune rheumatic diseases, such as systemic lupus erythematosus, myositis, and vasculitis. Tthese studies demonstrate that B cell-modulating therapies show promise in treatment of a variety of autoimmune diseases. J Rheumatol 2006 May;33 Suppl 77: 24-28. (Also see: Causes of Scleroderma: B Cells and T Cells, Lupus, and Vasculitis) |
| Combination Therapy with Corticosteroids, Cyclosporin A, and Intravenous Pulse Cyclophosphamide for Acute/Subacute Interstitial Pneumonia in Patients with Dermatomyositis. Immediate institution of intensified immunosuppressive therapy should be considered for patients with A/SIP complicating DM. J Rheumatol 2005 September;32:1719-26. |
| Regression of cutis calcinosis with diltiazem in adult dermatomyositis. Calcinosis cutis is common in several connective tissue diseases such as dermatomyositis, scleroderma or lupus erythematous. We report a case of adult cutis calcinosis associated with dermatomyositis which responded dramatically to treatment with diltiazem. PubMed. Eur J Dermatol. 2005 Mar-Apr;15(2):102-4. (Also see: Calcinosis) |
| Intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIg) in autoimmune neuromuscular diseases. Outcomes of controlled trials indicate that IVIG at a total dose of 2 g/kg is effective as second-line therapy in stiff-person syndrome, dermatomyositis, myasthenia gravis, and Lambert-Eaton myasthenic syndrome. PubMed. JAMA. 2004 May 19;291(19):2367-75. (Also see: Medications and Myasthenia Gravis) |
| Research about Dermatomyositis and Polymyositis |
| Vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) is highly expressed in muscle tissue of patients with polymyositis and patients with dermatomyositis. Our observations support a role of VEGF in the early phases of polymyositis and dermatomyositis. (WileyInterscience) C. Grundtman. Arthritis & Rheumatism. September 29, 2008. |
| Polymyositis: Can a gluten-free diet reduce symptoms? If you have polymyositis — a rare connective tissue disease — you may be at increased risk of celiac disease. In such cases, a gluten-free diet can improve signs and symptoms of celiac disease. But there's no evidence that a gluten-free diet can improve signs and symptoms of polymyositis. Mayo Clinic. (Also see: Celiac Disease and Gluten Sensitivity) |
| Spontaneous recovery of dermatomyositis and unspecified myositis in three adult patients. Spontaneous long lasting remission can occur in a small proportion of patients with subacute onset idiopathic inflammatory myopathies. In some patients, immunosuppressive treatment with the risk of serious side effects can perhaps be omitted. Journal of Neurology, Neurosurgery, and Psychiatry 2008. |
| Researchers study the possible relationship between myopathies and celiac disease. The scientists are considering the possibility that, at least in part, some inflammatory myopathies are a clinical expression of intolerance to gluten, though they point out the need for more studies to be carried out to confirm or support these findings. innovations report. 02/23/07. (Also see: Celiac Disease and Bowel Dysfunction) |
| Endothelial cell activation and neovascularization are prominent in dermatomyositis. While vascular and immune abnormalities are common in juvenile and adult dermatomyositis (DM), the molecular changes that contribute to these abnormalities are not clear. It is likely that close association of monocytes with endothelial cells initiate rapid dendritic cell maturation and an autoimmune response in DM. Journal of Autoimmune Diseases 02-20-06. |
| The Jo-1 Syndrome—immunological findings and clinical manifestations. The Jo-1 syndrome is an autoimmune disease which is characterized by the presence of autoantibodies against the Jo-1 antigen. The most frequent clinical manifestation is myositis, which may present as polymyositis or dermatomyositis. In addition to muscle involvement, interstitial lung disease is frequently found and critical for the prognosis. PubMed. Med Klin (Munich). 2005 Mar 15;100(3):137-42. |
| Differences in Clinical Features and Prognosis of Interstitial Lung Diseases (ILD) Between Polymyositis (PM) and Dermatomyositis (DM). DM-ILD is more refractory to corticosteroid therapy, resulting in poorer prognosis compared with PM-ILD. These data indicate that intensive therapy, including cyclosporine, should be considered for DM-ILD. J Rheumatol. NO. 1 January 2005;32:58-64. (Also see:Pulmonary Fibrosis) |
| Does HLA-Dependent Chimerism Underlie the Pathogenesis of Juvenile Dermatomyositis? These combined data indicate that chimeric cells play a direct role in the JDM disease process and that the mother's HLA genotype facilitates the transfer and/or persistence of maternal cells in the fetal circulation. PubMed. J Immunol. 2004 Apr 15;172(8):5041-5046. (Also see: Causes of Scleroderma: Fetal Cells) |
| Global surface ultraviolet radiation intensity may modulate the clinical and immunologic expression of autoimmune muscle disease. These data suggest that UV radiation exposure may modulate the clinical and immunologic expression of an autoimmune disease in different populations around the world. PubMed Arthritis Rheum. 2003 Aug;48(8):2285-93. |
| Personal Stories about Dermatomyositis and Polymyositis |
| Angela M: Diffuse Scleroderma The rheumatologist that treats me says it is due to the illness, but my orthopedist says it is a problem that should be operated... |
| Angela S: Overlap Syndrome I am twenty-five years old and I was diagnosed with polymyositis and scleroderma, rheumatoid arthritis, mitral valve prolapse, a heart murmur, and pericarditis... |
| (Romanian) Anca: Daughter of Polymyositis and Hepatitis C Patient Pentru inceput, ii salut pe toti cei ce acceseaza acest site, fie ca sufera de una din cumplitele boli de colagen... |
| Daphne: Daughter of Scleroderma/Polymyositis/Antisynthetase Syndrome Overlap Patient By early 2005, she began to exhibit Raynaud's phenomenon. She was also having swelling in her face, hands and feet... |
| Dawn M: Linear/Systemic Scleroderma My family
and I were informed by the doctors, that the localized/linear form of scleroderma that I was diagnosed with, would never progress into the
potentially fatal, systemic form... |
| Faith Rumph: Eosinophilia-Myalgia Syndrome (EMS) I am one of several thousand Americans who became ill from ingesting contaminated over-the-counter L-tryptophan, an amino acid dietary supplement... |
| Irina: Polymyositis When I was nine I had my tonsils removed by surgery. Immediately after the operation I experienced muscle weakness and I had no strength to do everyday things as simple as walking or even getting up from bed... |
| (Español/Spanish) Jeins: Esclerodermia Sistemica Difusa y Dermatopolimiositis Mi piel quedo muy sensible y quede con cicatriz en las manos y muchos dolores en las articulaciones, pero no importa... |
| Kaycee: Diffuse Scleroderma with Polymyositis The rheumatologist confirmed the diagnosis of diffuse scleroderma on my initial visit to him. Since then, I have had a muscle biopsy, which confirmed polymyositis... |
| Krista: Scleroderma, Polymyositis, Vasculitis Many of you probably know that I have translated "SCLERO.ORG" into my language, Romanian... |
| Lenor: Polymyositis, Pulmonary Fibrosis and Raynaud's Phenomenon In May of 1999, I was diagnosed with polymyositis and Raynaud's phenomenon then, in March of 2001, with pulmonary fibrosis... |
| Lynn: Lupus, Scleroderma, Sjögren's and Polymyositis Overlap I am going to start to see the doctor more often and take better care of myself... |
| NB: Dermatomyositis I just knew then that my child's father would leave me, but he stood by my side and later became my husband even when I thought I looked like a monster.. |
| Swede: UCTD or Hypochondria I have been experiencing severe pain in my feet and ankles for the last two years... |
