Inclusion body myositis
Evidence: Antibody
Names
Sporadic Inclusion Body Myositis
sIBM
IBM
Description
Inclusion Body Myositis (IBM) is a chronic inflammatory muscle disease that causes painless weakening of the muscle. It is a chronic, slow-growing condition disorder that can lead to disability over the years. Studies show that IBM is more common in men than in women. Most people need assistance with basic daily activities within 15 years, and some people will need to use a wheelchair. The illness can be difficult to diagnose and is often first mistaken as polymyositis. It is not directly genetic, but predispositions may be present. Lifespan is thought to be normal, but severe complications include aspiration pneumonia that can lead to loss of life. There is currently no cure and standard course of treatment for IBM. Management options include physical therapy, exercise, speech therapy, and fall prevention.
Prevalence
US Cases: 3,200 [Greenberg 2016]. 1 case per 100,000.
Typical Age of onset
The disease often presents in individuals over the age of 50, although it may occur earlier.
Source: Cleveland Clinic
Symptoms
Difficulty with gripping, pinching, and buttoning.
Weakness of the wrist and finger muscles.
Atrophy (shrinking or wasting) of the muscles of the forearms.
Weakness and visible wasting of the quadriceps muscles (the large muscles on the front part of the thighs.)
Weakness of the lower leg muscles, below the knees.
Weakness of the esophageal muscles, which can cause dysphagia (difficulty swallowing) in about 30 to 40 percent of patients.
Weakness of other muscle groups as the disease progresses.
References
Genetic and Rare Disease Information Center (GARD)
Cleveland Clinic
Muscular Dystrophy Association
Profile by Michael Maduka
