Polymyositis : a clinical profile.

Clinical data of 132 patients of polymyositis seen over a period of ten years was retrospectively analysed. Important features included a mean age of 32.31 years with a range of 8 years to 70 years. 40.62 percent patients were of primary idiopathic polymyositis while 53.13 percent presented with disease of more than six months duration. Pelvic girdle weakness was demonstrated in 31 cases (96.87 percent). Creatin phosphokinase (CPK) values were consistently elevated in 81.25 percent of these cases. Electromyography in majority showed mixed neurogenic and myopathic pattern. Muscle biopsy was performed in 23 patients and all revealed changes characteristic of polymyositis. Follow up was available in 18 cases.