Polymyositis: A Clinical Study

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Abstract
The initial and follow-up findings of 63 patients with polymyositis (14 mo. -73 yrs.) are presented. Polymyositis is a serious disease with a high mortality. Mortality in polymyositis markedly increases with increasing age of onset: the mortality is greatest in the 1st 2 yrs. of the disease. Weakness is the cardinal feature of polymyositis. Histologic evidence of muscle involvement may not be found in spite of repeated biopsies in some patients in whom the clinical picture is classic and accompanied by abnormal biochemical findings. Creatinuria, decreased creatinine in urine and elevated serum glutamic oxaloacetic transminase (SGOT) levels although not diagnostic are found in most patients. Alteration in the pattern of serum proteins may be prognostic since the lowest total protein and albumin values were observed in patients who died. The value of treatment with corticosteroids is not statistically proven. Because many patients respond favorably to this therapy, administration of steroids in conjunction with other appropriate supportive measures is generally advised in active polymyositis.