Strength in polymyositis and dermatomyositis: best outcome in patients treated early.
OBJECTIVE
To study the influence of clinical variables on improvement in muscle strength in patients with polymyositis and dermatomyositis.


METHODS
We biomechanically examined muscle strength over the course of 2.54 years of 65 patients.


RESULTS
Disease duration before therapy was predictive of outcome. Those treated within 6 months or one year of disease onset had better outcomes than those with later treatment. In addition, among those who gained strength, degree of elevation of creatine kinase was correlated with greater gains.


CONCLUSIONS
Early treatment after disease onset increases the chance of a favorable response.
Fafalak
R G
RG
Department of Medicine, Hospital for Special Surgery, New York, NY 10021.
Peterson
M G
MG
Kagen
L J
LJ
D001696:Biomechanical Phenomena; D003402:Creatine Kinase / Q000378:metabolism; D003882:Dermatomyositis / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000503:physiopathology*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009119:Muscle Contraction / Q000502:physiology*; D017285:Polymyositis / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000503:physiopathology*; D011241:Prednisone / Q000627:therapeutic use; D011379:Prognosis; D013997:Time Factors
D003402:Creatine Kinase; D011241:Prednisone