Rare Pediatrics News
Disease Profile
Polymyositis
Prevalence estimates on Rare Medical Network websites are calculated based on data available from numerous sources, including US and European government statistics, the NIH, Orphanet, and published epidemiologic studies. Rare disease population data is recognized to be highly variable, and based on a wide variety of source data and methodologies, so the prevalence data on this site should be assumed to be estimated and cannot be considered to be absolutely correct.
1-9 / 100 000
Age of onset
Adult
ICD-10
M33.2
Inheritance
Autosomal dominant A pathogenic variant in only one gene copy in each cell is sufficient to cause an autosomal dominant disease.
Autosomal recessive Pathogenic variants in both copies of each gene of the chromosome are needed to cause an autosomal recessive disease and observe the mutant phenotype.
X-linked
dominant X-linked dominant inheritance, sometimes referred to as X-linked dominance, is a mode of genetic inheritance by which a dominant gene is carried on the X chromosome.
dominant X-linked dominant inheritance, sometimes referred to as X-linked dominance, is a mode of genetic inheritance by which a dominant gene is carried on the X chromosome.
X-linked
recessive Pathogenic variants in both copies of a gene on the X chromosome cause an X-linked recessive disorder.
recessive Pathogenic variants in both copies of a gene on the X chromosome cause an X-linked recessive disorder.
Mitochondrial or multigenic Mitochondrial genetic disorders can be caused by changes (mutations) in either the mitochondrial DNA or nuclear DNA that lead to dysfunction of the mitochondria and inadequate production of energy.
Multigenic or multifactor Inheritance involving many factors, of which at least one is genetic but none is of overwhelming importance, as in the causation of a disease by multiple genetic and environmental factors.
Not applicable
Categories
Connective tissue diseases
Summary
Polymyositis is a type of inflammatory myopathy, which refers to a group of muscle diseases characterized by chronic muscle inflammation and weakness. The muscles affected by polymyositis are the skeletal muscles (those involved with making movements) on both sides of the body. Although the disease can affect people of all ages, most cases are seen in adults between the ages of 31 and 60 years. The disease is more common among women and among black individuals.[1]
The exact cause of polymyositis is unknown. The disease shares many characteristics with autoimmune disorders, which occur when the
Symptoms
Other symptoms of polymyositis include
Cause
For some people, symptoms of polymyositis may be associated with
Diagnosis
- Blood tests to measure the levels of certain muscle
enzymes , such as creatine kinase and aldolase - Blood tests to detect specific autoantibodies that cause the autoimmune response associated with polymyositis
- Electromyography to check the health of the muscles and the nerves that control them
Imaging studies such as MRI scan or muscle ultrasound to detect muscle inflammation- A muscle biopsy to diagnose muscle abnormalities such as inflammation, damage, or infection
Treatment
- Medications such as
corticosteroids , corticosteroid-sparing agents, or immunosuppressive drugs Physical therapy to improve muscle strength and flexibility- Speech therapy to address difficulties with swallowing and speech
- Intravenous immunoglobulin: an infusion of healthy
antibodies that are given to block damaging autoantibodies that attack the muscle
Mescape Reference offers more specific information regarding the diagnosis and treatment of polymyositis.
Organizations
Support and advocacy groups can help you connect with other patients and families, and they can provide valuable services. Many develop patient-centered information and are the driving force behind research for better treatments and possible cures. They can direct you to research, resources, and services. Many organizations also have experts who serve as medical advisors or provide lists of doctors/clinics. Visit the group’s website or contact them to learn about the services they offer. Inclusion on this list is not an endorsement by GARD.
Organizations Supporting this Disease
-
Arthritis Foundation
1355 Peachtree St. NE
6th Floor
Atlanta, GA 30309
Toll-free: 1-844-571-HELP (4357)
Telephone: +1-404-872-7100
Website: https://www.arthritis.org -
Myositis Support and Understanding
9125 N. Old State Road
Lincoln, DE 19960
Toll-free: 1-888-MYO-RARE (696-7273)
Telephone: +1-302-339-3241
E-mail: [email protected]
Website: https://understandingmyositis.org/ -
The Myositis Association (TMA)
1940 Duke Street
Suite 200
Alexandria, VA 22314
Toll-free: 1-800-821-7356
Telephone: +1-703-299-4850
Fax: +1-703-535-6752
E-mail: [email protected]
Website: https://www.myositis.org/
Organizations Providing General Support
-
American Autoimmune Related Diseases Association (AARDA)
19176 Hall Road, Suite 130
Clinton Township, MI 48038
Toll-free: 800-598-4668
Telephone: 586-776-3900
Fax: 586-776-3903
E-mail: [email protected]
Website: https://www.aarda.org/ -
Muscular Dystrophy Association (MDA)
222 S Riverside Plaza
Suite 1500
Chicago, IL 60606
Toll-free: 1-833-275-6321 (Helpline)
E-mail: [email protected]
Website: https://www.mda.org
Learn more
These resources provide more information about this condition or associated symptoms. The in-depth resources contain medical and scientific language that may be hard to understand. You may want to review these resources with a medical professional.
Where to Start
- The Mayo Clinic Web site provides further information on Polymyositis.
- MedlinePlus was designed by the National Library of Medicine to help you research your health questions, and it provides more information about this topic.
- The National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke (NINDS) collects and disseminates research information related to neurological disorders. Click on the link to view information on this topic.
In-Depth Information
- Medscape Reference provides information on this topic. You may need to register to view the medical textbook, but registration is free.
- The Monarch Initiative brings together data about this condition from humans and other species to help physicians and biomedical researchers. Monarch’s tools are designed to make it easier to compare the signs and symptoms (phenotypes) of different diseases and discover common features. This initiative is a collaboration between several academic institutions across the world and is funded by the National Institutes of Health. Visit the website to explore the biology of this condition.
- PubMed is a searchable database of medical literature and lists journal articles that discuss Polymyositis. Click on the link to view a sample search on this topic.
References
- Polymyositis Information Page. National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke (NINDS). 2018; https://www.ninds.nih.gov/Disorders/All-Disorders/Polymyositis-Information-Page.
- Pappu R & Seetharaman M. Polymyositis. Medscape Reference. February 12, 2018; https://emedicine.medscape.com/article/335925-overview.
- Bhansing KJ, Vonk-Noordegraaf A, Oosterveer FPT, van Riel PLCM, and Vonk MC. Pulmonary arterial hypertension, a novelty in idiopathic inflammatory myopathies: insights and first experiences with vasoactive therapy. RMD Open. 2017; 3(1):https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5574416/.
- Svensson J, Holmgvist M, Lundberg IE, and Arkema EV. Infections and respiratory tract disease as risk factors for idiopathic inflammatory myopathies: a population-based case-control study. Annals of the Rheumatic Diseases. August 30, 2017; https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/28855175.
- Miller ML. Diagnosis and differential diagnosis of dermatomyositis and polymyositis in adults. UpToDate. September 18, 2016; https://www.uptodate.com/contents/diagnosis-and-differential-diagnosis-of-dermatomyositis-and-polymyositis-in-adults.
- Burlina P, Billings S, and Albayda J. Automated diagnosis of myositis from muscle ultrasound: Exploring the use of machine learning and deep learning methods. PLoS One. August 30, 2017; 12(8):https://journals.plos.org/plosone/article?id=10.1371/journal.pone.0184059.
- Miller ML. Initial treatment of dermatomyositis and polymyositis in adults. UpToDate. June 13, 2017; https://www.uptodate.com/contents/topic.do?topicKey=RHEUM/5160.
- Polymyositis (PM). Muscular Dystrophy Association. https://www.mda.org/disease/polymyositis. Accessed 9/17/2017.
- Hajj-ali RA. Polymyositis and Dermatomyositis. Merck Manual. June 2013; https://www.merckmanuals.com/home/bone,-joint,-and-muscle-disorders/autoimmune-disorders-of-connective-tissue/polymyositis-and-dermatomyositis.
Rare Pediatrics News