What are inflammatory myopathies? The inflammatory myopathies are a group of rare diseases that involve chronic (long-standing) muscle inflammation, muscle weakness, and in some cases, muscle pain. Myopathy is a general term used to describe a number of conditions affecting the muscles.
The primary symptom of idiopathic inflammatory myopathy is muscle weakness, which develops gradually over a period of weeks to months or even years. Other symptoms include joint pain and general tiredness (fatigue).
Types of Inflammatory Myopathies
There are three main types of inflammatory myopathy: polymyositis, dermatomyositis, and inclusion body myositis. Inflammatory myopathies are chronic, or persistent, conditions. They are not life threatening, but their symptoms must be managed over the course of a lifetime.
The most common inflammatory myopathies are dermatomyositis and polymyositis; however, this is a rapidly evolving field and new inflammatory myopathies are being described. Inflammatory myopathies cause muscle weakness, usually in the neck, shoulders, and hips.
Intravenous Immunoglobulin
Immunoglobulin, or antibodies, derived from the plasma of donated blood are sometimes used to treat people with inflammatory myopathies. These antibodies destroy bacteria and viruses, but they can also fight cells that are attacking the body.
More than 95 percent of those with DM, PM, and NM are still alive more than five years after diagnosis. Many experience only one period of acute illness in their lifetime; others struggle with symptoms for years. One of the biggest problems in treating myositis is obtaining an accurate diagnosis.
The most common signs and symptoms of myopathies include weakness, stiffness, cramps, and spasms. Myopathies are a heterogeneous group of disorders primarily affecting the skeletal muscle structure, metabolism, or channel function. They usually present with muscle weakness interfering in daily life activities.
These common symptoms include: Muscle weakness, most commonly of your upper arms and shoulders and thighs (more common and more severe). Muscle cramps, stiffness and spasms. Fatigue with exertion.
Myopathy is a disorder of the skeletal muscles. Muscle disorders arise from abnormalities that affect the muscle's structure or metabolism, and have a variety of causes. Some are inherited while others are acquired.
The autoimmune myopathies consist of five main conditions, namely dermatomyositis (DM), polymyositis (PM), myositis associated with antisynthetase syndrome (ASS), immune-mediated necrotizing myopathy (IMNM), and inclusion body myositis (IBM).
Exercise and physical therapy are important parts of standard myositis treatment plans. Physical exercise has been shown to reduce inflammation, reduce fatigue, increase stamina, and build muscle, even in patients with myositis.
Definite disease triggers can be identified in some patients with inflammatory myopathy. These include environmental factors such as infection, malignancy, and drug toxicities from statins or immune checkpoint inhibitors.
Serologic testing, electromyography, muscle biopsy, and genetic testing are helpful tools in identifying the presence of myopathy and determining the etiology.
Most people with nemaline myopathy are able to walk, although some affected children may begin walking later than usual. As the condition progresses, some people may require wheelchair assistance. In severe cases, the muscles used for breathing are affected and life-threatening breathing difficulties can occur.
The inflammatory myopathies are a group of rare diseases that involve chronic (long-standing) muscle inflammation, muscle weakness, and in some cases, muscle pain.
Onset ranges from 10 to 40 years of age, but is most common in the late teens to early twenties. Affected individuals may experience gait disturbances and foot drop. Muscle weakness eventually spreads to affect the hands and certain proximal muscles of the upper legs including the thigh and hamstrings.
Creatine Kinase (also known as CK, or Creatine Phosphokinase [CPK]) is an important diagnostic blood test for myopathies. CK is a type of protein called an enzyme that is especially active in skeletal muscle, heart tissue, and the brain.
The prognosis varies depending on the etiology. The morbidity and mortality of myopathies is related to the etiology of the condition, severity of disease, and the presence of comorbid conditions. Severe weakness may lead to respiratory failure and death.
Muscle inflammation (myositis) or muscle disease due to metabolic abnormalities (metabolic myopathy) – These conditions cause muscle fatigue and weakness, but not the widespread pain seen in fibromyalgia. In addition, patients with myositis typically have abnormal levels of muscle enzymes.
Although classified as an inflammatory myopathy, inclusion body myositis shows minimal evidence of inflammation. This is the most common inflammatory myopathy in patients older than age 50 years. It more commonly presents as asymmetrical, distal weakness and also has distinct biopsy findings.
The symptoms may worsen as you age or lead to other complications, such as respiratory distress and cardiac issues. Inherited myopathies are caused by genes and include: Muscular Dystrophies.
Because myositis can be associated with other conditions, you may work with a team of experts including rheumatologists, pulmonologists, and neurologists. They work together to develop an effective treatment plan for you and help you manage your condition.
Increase omega-3 fatty acids in your diet by eating salmon, sardines, herring, black cod, omega-3 fortified eggs, hemp and flax seeds, or take a fish oil supplement. Eat more vegetable protein, especially from beans and soy, and choose fish, cheese, and yogurt more often than you choose animal proteins.