title: Clinical improvement of the myopathy in eosinophilia-myalgia syndrome with steroids and rehabilitative therapy.
abstract: The authors report a case of eosinophilia-myalgia syndrome with a progressive neuromyopathy. Progressive weakness, myalgia, and dermatitis developed in the patient described after chronic ingestion of high-dose L-tryptophan for insomnia. Laboratory, electrophysiologic, and muscle biopsy results support the diagnosis of an inflammatory myopathy consistent with that of eosinophilia-myalgia syndrome. The patient's weakness led to wheelchair dependency. A review of the literature regarding this disorder shows inconsistent results with steroid and other modes of therapy. After a course of high-dose steroids with long-term tapering and vigorous inpatient and outpatient rehabilitation, the patient was able to walk and function independently within 2 months.
authors.affiliation: Oakland General Hospital, Madison Heights, Mich.
authors.forename: J J
authors.initials: JJ
authors.lastname: Esper
authors.forename: M A
authors.initials: MA
authors.lastname: Nigro
authors.forename: R
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Wishnow
authors.forename: T
authors.initials: T
authors.lastname: Barnett
authors.forename: A L
authors.initials: AL
authors.lastname: Perrotta
authors.forename: W
authors.initials: W
authors.lastname: Richardson
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D016603:Eosinophilia-Myalgia Syndrome / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000534:rehabilitation; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008775:Methylprednisolone / Q000627:therapeutic use; D011241:Prednisone / Q000627:therapeutic use
chemical_list: D011241:Prednisone; D008775:Methylprednisolone