The inflammatory myopathies (dermatomyositis and polymyositis) are autoimmune diseases that target the muscles. This leads to weakness and elevated levels of creatine kinase (CK), a type of protein. Patients with dermatomyositis often have skin rashes that can be disfiguring and very sensitive to sun exposure. Patients with inflammatory myositis often have other autoimmune diseases, such as lupus and scleroderma.
BMC rheumatologists have extensive experience in treating these diseases and their complications. We treat many patients with inflammatory myositis in the Dermatology-Rheumatology clinic, a collaboration of the Dermatology and Rheumatology departments focused on the treatment of patients who have conditions that affect both the skin and the musculoskeletal system. Patients can be seen by both specialties on the same day to maximize both convenience and communication between providers, which improves outcomes.
Our myositis program is led by Dr. Monica Crespo-Bosque, who works with a multidisciplinary team of specialists that provide care for all aspects of inflammatory myositis conditions. The multidisciplinary care team has partners in Pulmonary, Neurology, Pathology, Dermatology, and Physical Therapy, among others. Specialized therapies, including many new treatments such as various biologics, are prescribed and monitored by providers with additional counseling provided by in-clinic pharmacists and nurses.