Abstract |
Few guidelines exist for the use of corticosteroid therapy in polymyositis-dermatomyositis (PM-DM). We retrospectively examined the relationship between serum creatine kinase (CK), muscle strength and the dosage and method of administration of prednisone in 30 patients with PM-DM observed monthly for a minimum of one year. Forty-two corticosteroid treated episodes of proximal muscle weakness associated with CK elevations formed the final study group. Each patient course was designated as having a good or poor biochemical and clinical outcome based on predetermined criteria. Adherence to 3 principles predicted a favorable biochemical and clinical outcome in the treatment of myositis: (1) administration of an adequate initial (loading) corticosteroid dose; (2) continuation of the initial dose until or after the time that the serum CK had become normal; and (3) a slow corticosteroid taper rate. Achievement of a CK within the low normal range predicted a prolonged biochemical remission, and a rise of CK within the normal range signalled a subsequent biochemical and clinical relapse. Tapering the corticosteroid dose when the CK was elevated frequently resulted in a further increase in CK. These observations allowed us to develop practical guidelines for the management of PM-DM.
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Authors | C V Oddis, T A Medsger Jr |
Journal | The Journal of rheumatology
(J Rheumatol)
Vol. 15
Issue 5
Pg. 807-11
( 1988)
ISSN: 0315-162X [Print] Canada |
PMID | 3172094
(Publication Type: Journal Article, Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't, Research Support, U.S. Gov't, P.H.S.)
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Chemical References |
- Creatine Kinase
- Prednisone
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Topics |
- Adolescent
- Adult
- Aged
- Creatine Kinase
(blood)
- Dermatomyositis
(drug therapy, enzymology, physiopathology)
- Drug Administration Schedule
- Female
- Humans
- Male
- Middle Aged
- Muscles
(physiopathology)
- Myositis
(drug therapy, enzymology, physiopathology)
- Prednisone
(administration & dosage, adverse effects, therapeutic use)
- Retrospective Studies
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