Myositis (polymyositis / dermatomyositis)Refer

Bones & joints · OPD · Locked · first month free

By Dr Javed Akhtar · Last reviewed 2 October 2026

Drugs on this card

Prednisolone, Methotrexate + Folic acid (steroid-sparing), Calcium + Vitamin D3 (bone protection on steroids)

Advice and when to refer

Work-up: CK, LFT, myositis antibodies, EMG or MRI and muscle biopsy; screen for cancer in dermatomyositis (BSR 2022)
Admit: Difficulty swallowing, choking, breathlessness or a falling single-breath count (BSR 2022)

Investigations

First visit

CK and aldolase — Muscle injury.
LFT, CBC, ESR — Baseline.
Myositis antibody panel (including anti-Jo-1) — Subtype and lung risk.

Only if indicated

MRI thighs and EMG — Guide biopsy.
Muscle biopsy — Confirms the diagnosis.
Chest X-ray / HRCT and PFT — Lung involvement.
Cancer screen (age-appropriate, CT chest–abdomen, mammogram) — Dermatomyositis in adults (cancer association).

Follow-up and monitoring

CK and muscle strength — Every visit while tapering steroids.

Locked

The adult dose for each drug
Indian brand names for each drug, with a link to buy

Open Myositis (polymyositis / dermatomyositis) in OPD

← Sjögren syndrome · Systemic sclerosis (scleroderma) →

More in Bones & joints

Part of Bones & joints in OPD. Open OPD.

ICU Decoded — original critical-care and internal-medicine pathways by Dr Javed Akhtar, each cited to a current guideline. For education and quick reference; verify every dose against local protocols before prescribing.

Open the app · Ward Pathways — 87 cases · ICU Decoded chapters · Aladin Chirag bedside tools

How to use · About · Medical disclaimer · Privacy · Contact