Myositis Cheat Sheet for Physicians

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(Illustrations: The Muscular Dystrophy Association)

If Myositis is suspected, suggested diagnostic protocol includes lab work to include CK, Aldolase and Myositis Antibody Panel in addition to EMG, skin biopsy and muscle biopsies.

ere is no cure for the forms of Myositis discussed here, however effective treatments exist for Polymyositis and Dermatomyositis solely or in combination including corticosteroids, Methotrexate, Imuran, Cellcept, IVIG, Rituxan, Achtar, Plaquenil, Cyclosporine, Cyclophosphaide, Chlorambucil, Etanercept, Infliximab, Plasmapheresis, Tacrolimus and Plasma & Leukophoresis. No effective treatment currently exists for IBM, however, some patients believe progression of the disease may be slowed with IVIG therapy.

For the most updated and reliable information about Myositis, The Myositis Association (Myositis.org) and the Muscular Dystrophy Association (mda.org) websites are recommended. The Myositis Association’s website has a section specifically for Healthcare Providers which contains published research, clinical trials, diagnostic criteria and professional resources including contact information for the 20-member Medical Advisory Board.

Visit us online at www.UnderstandingMyositis.org