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Current Management of Polymyositis and Dermatomyositis

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Summary

This article reviews the clinical features and emphasises the treatment of polymyositis and dermatomyositis. Pharmacological intervention with corticosteroids and immunosuppressive agents is discussed. In addition, strategies regarding the initiation and subsequent tapering of these drugs are provided, and an algorithmic approach to the management of myositis is provided. Therapeutic modalities for patients with refractory disease are considered, and the potential adverse effects of such treatment are discussed. Since patients with myositis often have disease-related complaints other than muscle weakness, a practical treatment approach for these problems is also outlined.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Division of Rheumatology and Clinical Immunology, University of Pittsburgh, School of Medicine, 985 Scaife Hall, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, 15261, USA

    Chester V. Oddis & Thomas A. Medsger

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  1. Chester V. Oddis
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  2. Thomas A. Medsger
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Oddis, C.V., Medsger, T.A. Current Management of Polymyositis and Dermatomyositis. Drugs 37, 382–390 (1989). https://doi.org/10.2165/00003495-198937030-00007

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.2165/00003495-198937030-00007

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