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.

CONCLUSION

Early treatment after disease onset increases the chance of a favorable response.