title: Polymyositis/dermatomyositis: clinical features and outcome in 22 patients.
abstract: Twenty-two adult patients with polymyositis/dermatomyositis (PM/DM) have been seen at the Sir Mortimer B. Davis-Jewish General Hospital since 1970. DM accounted for 50% of the patients. Malignancy was found within 3 years of presentation in 32% and was present in 46% of patients over age 50. Forty-six percent of patients with DM versus 18% of those with PM had a malignancy. Seven patients died. Fourteen patients were seen at a mean followup of 5.6 years. By life-table analysis, 42% of patients terminated corticosteroids within 3 years from diagnosis. The mean dose of prednisone in 8 patients being treated at followup was 11.7 mg daily. Functional disability, however, was common at followup. Thirty-six percent had substantial disability related to the disease or its treatment.
mesh_terms: D000206:Actuarial Analysis; D000305:Adrenal Cortex Hormones / Q000627:therapeutic use; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000974:Antibodies, Antinuclear / Q000032:analysis; D003882:Dermatomyositis / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000201:enzymology / Q000503:physiopathology*; D005260:Female; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009132:Muscles / Q000201:enzymology; D009220:Myositis / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000201:enzymology / Q000503:physiopathology*; D011241:Prednisone / Q000627:therapeutic use; D013997:Time Factors
chemical_list: D000305:Adrenal Cortex Hormones; D000974:Antibodies, Antinuclear; D011241:Prednisone