title: Eosinophilia-myalgia syndrome: the aftermath.
abstract: We report here the long-term sequelae in 22 patients with L-tryptophan-induced eosinophilia-myalgia syndrome (EMS). The mean follow-up was 23 months (range, 5 to 40 months). Myalgia, rash, pruritus, edema, and respiratory symptoms often improved with the use of corticosteroids, but fatigue and weakness persisted in most cases. Other abnormalities that commonly persisted were arthralgia, muscle-cramping, peripheral neuropathy, and thickened skin. One patient had chronic pulmonary hypertension. These findings indicate that for most patients, EMS is a chronic disorder.
authors.affiliation: Department of Medicine, University of California San Francisco.
authors.forename: K E
authors.initials: KE
authors.lastname: Sack
authors.forename: L A
authors.initials: LA
authors.lastname: Criswell
mesh_terms: D000305:Adrenal Cortex Hormones / Q000627:therapeutic use; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000974:Antibodies, Antinuclear / Q000097:blood; D001706:Biopsy; D001799:Blood Sedimentation; D002140:California; D002908:Chronic Disease; D003402:Creatine Kinase / Q000097:blood; D016603:Eosinophilia-Myalgia Syndrome / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000503:physiopathology; D004804:Eosinophils / Q000737:chemistry; D005260:Female; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D005634:Fructose-Bisphosphate Aldolase / Q000097:blood; D006801:Humans; D007958:Leukocyte Count; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged
chemical_list: D000305:Adrenal Cortex Hormones; D000974:Antibodies, Antinuclear; D003402:Creatine Kinase; D005634:Fructose-Bisphosphate Aldolase