title: Treatment of polymyositis and dermatomyositis.
abstract: Polymyositis and dermatomyositis are serious inflammatory muscle disorders which may present life-threatening complications. It is important to recognise and treat the condition in the early stages of the disease. Corticosteroids remain the mainstay of treatment, and their resistance and other forms of immunotherapy are discussed.
authors.affiliation: West Middlesex University Hospital, Isleworth.
authors.forename: S A
authors.initials: SA
authors.lastname: Kaye
authors.forename: D A
authors.initials: DA
authors.lastname: Isenberg
mesh_terms: D000305:Adrenal Cortex Hormones / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000627:therapeutic use; D001379:Azathioprine / Q000627:therapeutic use; D003520:Cyclophosphamide / Q000627:therapeutic use; D016572:Cyclosporine / Q000627:therapeutic use; D003882:Dermatomyositis / Q000188:drug therapy*; D004359:Drug Therapy, Combination; D006801:Humans; D016756:Immunoglobulins, Intravenous / Q000627:therapeutic use; D007166:Immunosuppressive Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D008727:Methotrexate / Q000627:therapeutic use; D010956:Plasmapheresis; D017285:Polymyositis / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000628:therapy; D014916:Whole-Body Irradiation
chemical_list: D000305:Adrenal Cortex Hormones; D016756:Immunoglobulins, Intravenous; D007166:Immunosuppressive Agents; D016572:Cyclosporine; D003520:Cyclophosphamide; D001379:Azathioprine; D008727:Methotrexate