Diagnosis and treatment of inflammatory muscle diseases

Abstract

The most common inflammatory myopathies are dermatomyositis, polymyositis (which rarely occurs as an isolated entity, more often associated with other features of connective tissue disease), and inclusion body myositis. They each present diagnostic and therapeutic challenges and are best managed in a unit with particular interest and experience in these disorders. Most patients require long term specialist supervision. Multicentre trials are desperately required to determine the best approaches to drug treatment. Non-drug aspects of management are very important, but frequently neglected.