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While March 08 is celebrated annually as International Women’s Day, the entire month is Autoimmune Disease Awareness Month and dermatomyositis, an autoimmune disorder affecting the muscles and skin in young women, has been a subject of intrigue and concern in the medical community. untimely death of riot Actress Suhani Bhatnagar has recently made it more important to understand the nuances of this rare condition due to dermatomyositis and find out the key aspects of its diagnosis, treatment and prognosis.
In an interview with HT Lifestyle, Dr Uma Kumar, Head of Rheumatology at AIIMS, highlighted the demographic pattern of dermatomyositis and said, “It is more common in women, with a bimodal peak incidence in young adults and around 50. We frequently encounter patients, especially in young women in their second and third decades, with a peak around the age of 50. There are many symptoms of this disease, including infections, medications, cancer, or para-malignant conditions. Early detection is important to prevent complications involving the respiratory, cardiovascular, or swallowing muscles.
Talking about treatment strategies, he stressed the importance of early intervention and said, “We have various medications available including steroids, immunosuppressive agents and biologic agents. The response to treatment is generally favorable, with only 5% of patients experiencing serious complications. The prognosis is good, with more than 95% of patients surviving with appropriate treatment. However, recurrence, infection, and malignancies can occur over time. Timely and appropriate treatment is important, as complications often arise due to involvement of the heart or lung muscles.
Providing information about the orthopedic aspects of dermatomyositis, Dr. L Tomar, Senior Director and Unit Head, Orthopedics at Max Super Specialty Hospital, New Delhi, said, “This rare autoimmune disease primarily affects the muscles and skin, The prevalence is about 1 in 100,000 individuals. Corticosteroids and immunosuppressive drugs are commonly used to manage inflammation, while physical therapy helps maintain muscle function. Survival rates vary. “The symptoms vary but early diagnosis and appropriate medical management greatly improves outcomes.”
Highlighting the orthopedic complications, he said, “Joint inflammation can lead to pain and stiffness, while muscle weakness can contribute to difficulties in maintaining joint function, potentially leading to contractures. Early intervention with physical therapy and medications is necessary to manage these aspects and prevent further complications.
Dermatomyositis presents unique challenges, requiring a multidisciplinary approach for effective management. The above insights underline the importance of early diagnosis, appropriate treatment, and ongoing medical monitoring to enhance the quality of life of individuals struggling with this autoimmune disorder.
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