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Dermatomyositis

A rare, sometimes fatal, disease in which the muscles and skin become inflamed, causing waekness of the muscle and skin rash.

CAUSES AND INCIDENCE

The disorder belongs to a group of illness called the autoimmune disorders, in which, for reasons that are not fully understood, the body's defense system against disease starts attacking the body's own tissues. The condition is sometimes associated with underlining cancer of an internel organ. Two thirds of people suffering from dermatomyositis are middleaged woman

SYMPTOMS

The first sign is often a red rash on the bridge of the nose and cchecks, followed by a purple discoloration on the eyelids and sometimes a red rash on the knees, knuckles, and elbows.

Muscle then start to become weak, stiff, and painful, particularly those in shoulders and pelvis where the limbs join the trunk. The skin over them feels thicker than normal. Sometimes

the muscle pains precede the rash. The sufferer may also experience bouts of nausea, a loss of weight, and fever.

DIAGNOSIS AND TREATMENT

The diagnosis is confirmed by blood tests, electromyography (to detect the electrical activity of muscles; see EMG), and a biopsy (removal of a small piece of tissue for microscopic analysis) of skin or muscle.

Treatment is with corticosteroid and/or immunosuppressant drugs (to reduce the inflammation) and physical thrapy (to prevent muscles from scarring and shrinking as they heal).

OUTLOOK

In about 50 percent of cases, full recovery occures after a few years. In about 30 percent, the disease is persistent, causing muscle weakness. In the remaining 20 percent, it is progressive and affects the lungs and other organs and may be fatal.