title: Measurements of maximum respiratory pressures in polymyositis and dermatomyositis.
abstract: Measurements of maximum respiratory pressures and routine pulmonary function tests were performed in 8 patients with polymyositis (PM) and 2 patients with dermatomyositis (DM). Serial measurements of routine pulmonary function tests in 8 patients remained unchanged. Maximum respiratory pressures were decreased initially in 7 patients with proximal muscle weakness and clinically active muscle disease and improved with corticosteroid therapy in the 5 patients who were followed serially. In 3 patients with clinically stable disease the maximum respiratory muscle power was normal. Serial measurements of maximum respiratory pressures have been of value in monitoring patients with PM and DM.
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D003882:Dermatomyositis / Q000503:physiopathology*; D005260:Female; D005541:Forced Expiratory Volume; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009132:Muscles / Q000503:physiopathology; D009220:Myositis / Q000503:physiopathology*; D011312:Pressure; D012115:Residual Volume; D012137:Respiratory System / Q000503:physiopathology*; D014109:Total Lung Capacity; D014797:Vital Capacity