What are current treatments for Dermatomyositis? - dermatomyositis
There are only treatments right now there is no cure. The treatment consists of corticosteroids, immunosuppressive drugs, antimalarials, intravenous immunoglobulin, physical therapy, surgery, and prescription painkillers. Other treatments can be performed on plasma and radiation, but no one knows what long term effects they may have. There are some drugs, but others are still experimental. These include a topical medication and a drug usually as a drug used to graft rejection.
Monday, February 1, 2010
Dermatomyositis What Are Current Treatments For Dermatomyositis?
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From the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke "
"To prescribe a steroid such as prednisone, can usually the first line of treatment. Immunosuppressants such as methotrexate, azathioprine, those for whom prednisone is ineffective to help. Further treatment with intravenous immunoglobulin was effective and safe. Physical therapy is the generally recommended to maintain muscle function and to prevent muscle atrophy.
Although there is no cure for dermatomyositis, treatment may be better for your skin, muscle strength and function. The treatment begins early in the disease process tends to be more effective, often because there are fewer complications. Treatment methods include:
Corticosteroids. These drugs weaken the immune system, which limits the production of antibodies and inflammation of skin and muscles. Corticosteroids, including prednisone, are usually the first choice for the treatment of inflammatory myopathies such as dermatomyositis. Your doctor may start with a very high dose and then decreases as improving the signs and symptoms. Normally it takes about two to four weeks. Your doctor may also prescribe topical corticosteroids to the skin. Visible results are usually clear within three to six months, but the treatment is often needed for years. Prolonged use of corticosteroids can cause serious side effects such as osteoporosis, weight gain, diabetes, increased risk of someinfections, mood swings, cataracts, hypertension, fat redistributionMuscle weakness first. Therefore, your doctor may also recommend supplements such as calcium and vitamin D, and bisphosphonates may like alendronate (Fosamax) and risedronate (Actonel) to prescribe.
Immunosuppressants. If your body does not respond adequately to corticosteroids, your doctor may prescribe other immunosuppressants such as azathioprine (Imuran recommended) or methotrexate (Rheumatrex). Your doctor may change these alone or in combination with corticosteroids. The combination of these additional immunosuppressants can be used to reduce the dosage and possible side effects of corticosteroids. Immunosuppressants such as cyclophosphamide (Cytoxan) and cyclosporine (Neoral, Sandimmune) may improve the signs and symptoms of dermatomyositis and interstitial lung disease.
Drugs against malaria. For a persistent rash, the doctor may prescribe a medicine for malaria, such as hydroxychloroquine (Plaquenil) or chloroquine phosphate) (Aralen. Note, however, that these side effects, although rare, the rash may be confused or Weakness dermatomyositis itself.
Intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIG). Here are intravenous infusions of antibodies from a donor group of more than two to five days. This treatment is still under investigation and is usually very expensive. It can be an option for you if your dermatomyositis strong and resistant to other forms of therapy.
Physical Therapy. A physiotherapist can show various exercises, maintain and improve strength and flexibility and advise an appropriate activity. The exercise, it is likely during the illness and the treatment time to change. Remain active in general, and the pace will help you to maintain muscle strength.
Surgery. Surgery may be an option to remove painful calcium deposits on.
Analgesics. Over-the-counter medications such as aspirin, ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin and others) and acetaminophen (Tylenol, etc.) can be used to pain, treat it accompanies. If this is not enough, your doctor may prescribe strong painkillers such as codeine.
TTreatment time with unknown long-term effects are:
Plasmapheresis. This treatment, also known as plasma exchange, is a type of blood cleansing in which damaging antibodies are removed from the blood.
Radiation Therapy. This is the irradiation of lymph nodes to remove the immune system.
Hope this helps:)
The corticosteroid is the basis - such as prednisolone. Cytotoxic drugs such as methotrexate or azathioprine are also used. Glogulin immunotherapy was also tested.
Dapsone is used for skin lesions.
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