Early diagnosis important in muscle disorder

Prompt diagnosis and treatment of dermatomyositis (JDM) in children is important, researchers report. Dermatomyositis is a rare inflammatory disorder in which the immune system attacks muscle and skin, often causing an extensive rash, as well as progressive, severe muscle weakness, pain, and fatigue.

Dr. Lauren M. Pachman, of Northwestern University, Chicago, and colleagues examined the effect of the duration of untreated symptoms in 166 children. The median duration of untreated disease—defined as the time from first sign of rash or weakness to the diagnostic visit with a doctor—was 4.04 months, they report in the Journal of Pediatrics.

The researchers discovered that boys and girls with untreated JDM were significantly shorter and lighter than the national norms. Growth impairment may be associated with JDM-related inflammation of blood vessels, which can lead to a marked decrease in the ability of the body to absorb food and nutrients, they suggest.

Pachman’s team also observed a negative association between duration of untreated JDM and disease activity score for weakness. Non-white children were significantly weaker than white children and older children were more likely to have dysphagia (difficulty swallowing) and arthritis.

The duration of untreated disease is an important factor in fulfilling the criteria for JDM and should be considered in determining the intensity of therapy for these children, the investigators conclude.

SOURCE: Journal of Pediatrics February 2006.

RELATED STORIES:
For Infants with Swallowing Troubles, Treatment of Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease May Help   Major Grant Amplifies Efforts of Childhood Anti-Obesity Alliance   Men and women equally transmit genetic risk of MS to their children   Female survivors of childhood cancer: preterm birth and low birth weight among their children   Early deprivation has long-lasting effects: study   People affected by autism believe increase is ‘real,’ not diagnostic   Movies promote smoking among Mexican-American adolescents   Kids in Sport - Great for Fitness, but Concern About Injuries   Babies finding early voice through sign language   Study Aims to Find Fun, Effective Way to Combat Pediatric Obesity   Obese siblings of diabetic children at risk   Consumer Fireworks Continue to Injure Children in U.S.

Comments

[ + Post Your Own ]

Now you're in the public comment zone. What follows is not Armenian Medical Network's stuff; it comes from other people and we don't vouch for it. A reminder: By using this Web site you agree to accept our Terms of Service. Click here to read the Rules of Engagement.

There are no comments for this entry yet. [ + Comment here + ]