NIH Clinical Research Studies

Protocol Number: 91-AR-0196

Active Accrual, Protocols Recruiting New Patients

Title:
Studies on the Natural History and Pathogenesis of Polymyositis, Dermatomyositis, and Related Diseases
Number:
91-AR-0196
Summary:
This study of inflammatory muscle diseases-polymyositis and dermatomyositis and related disorders-will examine what causes these diseases and describe the clinical features (signs and symptoms) associated with them. Inflammation and degeneration of skeletal muscles in these disorders leads to weakness and muscle wasting. The skin, lungs and other organs may also be involved.

Patients 16 years of age and older with polymyositis, dermatomyositis, or a related disorder may be eligible for this study. Participants will undergo a complete history and physical examination, including routine blood and urine tests. Additional procedures for diagnosis, treatment or research may include:

1. Blood sample for genetic studies.

2. Muscle biopsy-removal of a tissue sample for microscopic examination. Under local anesthetic, a 1/2- to 1-inch long incision is made in the thigh or upper arm, and a small piece of muscle is removed.

3. Electromyography-measurement of the electrical activity of a muscle. A needle is inserted through the skin into a muscle to record its electrical activity.

4. Magnetic resonance imaging-visualization of organs or tissues, using a magnetic field and radio waves. The patient lies on a table inside a narrow cylinder (the MRI scanner) with a strong magnetic field for the scanning.

5. Manual muscle strength testing by a physiotherapist.

6. Swallowing studies using ultrasound (imaging using sound waves) and X-rays (barium swallow) to evaluate swallowing and speaking abilities.

7. Questionnaires on swallowing ability and ability to perform daily living activities

8. Pulmonary function tests-measurement of movement of air in and out of the lungs. The patient breathes into a machine to evaluate lung function.

9. Chest X-rays to evaluate lung function.

10. Electrocardiogram and, if necessary, Holter monitoring (measurement of the electrical activity of the heart) and echocardiogram (ultrasound imaging of the heart) to evaluate heart function.

11. Apheresis-collection of white blood cells for research. Whole blood is collected through a needle placed in an arm vein. The blood circulates through a machine that separates it into its components. The white cells are removed and the rest of the blood is returned to the body through the same needle or through a second one placed in the other arm.

12. MR guided muscle biopsy-measurement of glycogen in muscle tissue using magnetic resonance imaging. Certain patients may undergo this experimental procedure to compare MRI findings with those of muscle biopsy. The affected muscles are identified using MRI and the biopsy incision is made. MRI is then used to guide the biopsy needle to the muscle and a small piece is removed.

Patients who are eligible for experimental treatment studies will be offered the opportunity to join them. Others will be advised of treatment recommendations.

Sponsoring Institute:
National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases (NIAMS)
Recruitment Detail
Type: Active Accrual Of New Subjects
Gender: Male & Female
Referral Letter Required: Yes
Population Exclusion(s): None

Eligibility Criteria:
INCLUSION CRITERIA:

Patients with known or suspected idiopathic inflammatory myopathies (IIM) or patients with other connective tissue diseases with weakness or myalgias for an inflammatory myopathy or other muscle process.

Special Instructions: Currently Not Provided
Keywords:
Autoimmune Diseases
Idiopathic Inflammatory Myopathies
Polymyositis
Dermatomyositis
Inclusion Body Myositis
Pathogenesis
Recruitment Keywords:
Connective Tissue Diseases
Conditions:
Autoimmune Disease
Dermatomyositis
Inclusion Body Myositis
Myositis
Polymyositis
Investigational Drug(s):
None
Investigational Device(s):
None

Contacts:
Patient Recruitment and Public Liaison Office
Building 61
10 Cloister Court
Bethesda, Maryland 20892-4754
Toll Free: 1-800-411-1222
TTY: 301-594-9774 (local),1-866-411-1010 (toll free)
Fax: 301-480-9793

Electronic Mail:prpl@mail.cc.nih.gov

Citations:
Polymyositis and dermatomyositis

Current concepts in the idiopathic inflammatory myopathies: polymyositis, dermatomyositis, and related disorders

Active Accrual, Protocols Recruiting New Patients

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