Studies in the Natural History and Pathogenesis of Childhood-Onset and Adult-Onset Idiopathic Inflammatory Myopathies

What this Trial Is About

Researchers are studying both adult- and childhood-onset myositis, an inflammatory muscle disease that can damage muscles and other organs causing disability. This observational study aims to understand the causes, immune system changes, and medical problems linked to myositis by evaluating patients with polymyositis, dermatomyositis, inclusion body myositis, or related conditions. Healthy children and adults will also participate as control subjects for comparison. Participants will undergo a full medical history review, physical exams, and blood and urine tests. Some patients may opt for an extended 1- to 5-day evaluation including muscle strength tests, joint movement analysis, skin assessments, MRI scans of leg muscles, swallowing and voice studies, lung and heart function tests, endocrine and eye exams, nutrition assessments, muscle ultrasounds, electromyography, and biopsies of muscle or skin tissue. Healthy children will have similar evaluations but without invasive procedures and may also undergo exercise testing if aged 8 to 18 years. Participants can have a single evaluation or return for one follow-up visit within a year. Assessments include questionnaires, physical exams, imaging, and laboratory tests to track muscle and organ health. The main measurement is a Physician Global Assessment at enrollment and study visits. The study involves monitoring medical history, muscle function, organ involvement, and immune system changes over time to better understand myositis and related disorders.

Adult and Juvenile Myositis