Study of Childhood and Adult-Onset Idiopathic Inflammatory Myopathies Including Polymyositis and Dermatomyositis

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 significant disability. The study aims to better understand the causes, immune system changes, and medical issues linked to myositis by evaluating children and adults with polymyositis, dermatomyositis, or related conditions. Healthy children and adults will also be included as control subjects for comparison. Participants will undergo a full medical history, physical exam, and review of medical records along with blood and urine tests. They may choose to participate in an additional evaluation lasting 1 to 5 days that can include muscle strength and joint movement tests, skin assessments, MRI scans of leg muscles, swallowing and speech studies, lung and heart function tests, endocrine and eye exams, nutrition assessments, muscle ultrasound, electromyography, and muscle or skin biopsies. Some patients may have a single evaluation, while others may return for follow-up visits up to one year. Throughout the study, participants will complete questionnaires and physical assessments to track their health and abilities. Healthy children will have similar tests including medical history, brief physical exams, swallowing and speech assessments, and muscle mass evaluation. The main outcome measure is a physicians global assessment at enrollment and during study visits. This observational study allows participants to contribute valuable information about myositis and related conditions over time.

Adult and Juvenile Myositis