POLYMYOSITIS
The following paper presents a summary of the latest information available on polymyositis physiopathology, the symptomatology, diagnosis, and treatment options and research protocols.

History: Through medical history there have been reports of different ailments related to the muscular system. In the case of Polymyositis, the first case of a rare muscle disease was reported in 1863, with cutaneous lesions by E. Wagner in 1863 . He described a muscular disorder with a diversity of symptomatology and immunological alterations. In 1887, Hans Unvericht , wrote of an acute weakness, and pain in the arms, and legs, and back, including facial edema with swelling in the extremities, and evening fevers. The illness worsened rapidly to shortness of breath, hoarseness, difficulty swallowing and death. This became known as …show more content…
Treatment is being able to manage the symptoms and palliative treatment; it includes use of corticosteroids, such as Prednisone for polymyositis at a high dose, until the CK levels return to normal ranges, with additional monitoring for the adverse effects of corticosteroids, such as weight gain, hypertension, osteopenia, and steroid myopathy.
When patients do not show signs of improvement with cortico-steroids after a sensible period, immunotherapy can be used. Patients that have a poor prognostic, like difficulty swallowing, also tend to require immune therapy. In patients who develop adverse reactions to prednisone, methotrexate is the second choice of treatment. Intravenous immunoglobulin has also been used for short term treatment in patients that experience adverse reactions to steroids. Patients might benefit from a diet high in proteins, with supervised exercises. Other therapies might be used to prevent muscle contractures, such as heat/cold applications, and splints. Additionally, patients can receive physical therapy early in the disease to aid in range of