Polymyalgia rheumatica

[Alfred Legere]

Have PMR for 5yrs+. On 10mg prednisone. Recently read disease lead to muscle
atrophy. Need info on the subject of atrophy.

[JDShine]

Alfred Legere wrote:
>
> Have PMR for 5yrs+. On 10mg prednisone. Recently read disease lead to muscle
> atrophy. Need info on the subject of atrophy.

I found this statement on the NORD site ( http://www.rarediseases.org/ )

"Polymyalgia rheumatica is a rare inflammatory disease characterized by
muscle pain (myalgia), stiffness, and additional generalized systemic
symptoms such as fatigue, low-grade fever, and/or a general feeling of
ill health (malaise). Polymyalgia rheumatica can be a relatively benign
condition that is extremely responsive to treatment. In some rare cases,
permanent muscle weakness, degeneration and loss (atrophy) of muscle
mass, and disability may occur. The exact cause of polymyalgia
rheumatica is unknown, although immunological factors and familial
tendencies (genetic predisposition) have been mentioned in the medical
literature."

And this on http://www.druginfonet.com/faq/faqpolym.htm

"Polymyalgia Rheumatica/ Prednisone
Question: I have been diagnosed with having a form of rheumatoid
arthritis referred to as PMR. I was on 10 mg of prednisone for about one
year and then weaned from it. I have had a re-occurrence of the
symptoms, but have fought the urge to go back on the prednisone because
I fear the long term effects. Is there an alternative to prednisone that
gives the same relief? How harmful is prednisone taken in a 10 mg dose?

Answer: Polymyalgia Rheumatica is an inflammatory disease of muscle
almost always seen in patients over 50. Treatment can be non-steroidal
anti- inflammatories in mild cases and steroids (such as prednisone) in
more severe cases. Steroids such as prednisone will accelerate the aging
process. This is more pronounced at higher doses (greater than 15
mg/day), but will occur at any dosage over 5 or 7.5 mg a day. Aging
includes increased hardening of the arteries, elevated cholesterol,
elevated blood pressure, osteoporosis, muscle atrophy, graying, and fat
redistribution to truncal obesity."

Here is what Dr.Koop ( http://aol.drkoop.com/index.asp ) has to say
about muscle atrophy.
http://aol.drkoop.com/conditions/ency/article/003188.htm

You may find more specific information through these sites.

http://www.nih.gov/niams/healthinfo/pmrgcafs.htm

http://www.orthop.washington.edu/arthriti/PMR.htm

http://www.rheumatology.org/patients/factsheet/pmrgca.html

http://www.arthritis.org/answers/diseasecenter/pmr.asp

http://www.clevelandclinic.org/arthritis/treat/facts/polymyalgia.htm

http://www.mayoclinic.com/home?id=HQ01234

http://www.arthritis.co.za/pmr.html

http://www.arthritisinsight.com/medical/disease/pmr.html

I hope this is of some assistence to you.

JDShine

[Harvey R. Stone]

Hhhm, Well done, had to save that one. JD knows how to dig and takes
the time to do it. Real support.
Harv