Dermatomyositis is a rather rare connective tissue disease characterized by inflammation of the muscles and skin. The disease is systemic and can affect the joints, esophagus, lungs, and heart. The causes of this pathology are still unclear, although many scientists and doctors see the source of the disease in autoimmune disorders and oncological processes (in at least 7-30% of cases, the disease accompanies cancer, especially lung cancer, breast cancer, or ovarian cancer). Some researchers lean towards a viral nature of the disease.
Israeli specialists consider dermatomyositis as a complex systemic disorder and strive to simultaneously minimize clinical manifestations and find the underlying cause of the disease. Therefore, a large group of specialists works with dermatomyositis patients in our clinic – it includes immunologists, rheumatologists, dermatologists, oncologists, and doctors of other specialties.
Treatment Methods for Dermatomyositis in Israel
There is no general treatment method for dermatomyositis. In each case, therapy involves treating the systemic manifestations of the disease and may include a course of medication, physiotherapy, ultrasound and microwave therapy, as well as other types of treatment.
- The standard first-line treatment method is the prescription of corticosteroids (orally or intravenously). In the form of ointment, corticosteroids are used for pronounced skin symptoms (erythematous rash, peeling, etc.).
- The intake of immunosuppressive drugs helps reduce muscle inflammation resistant to corticosteroids.
- Physiotherapy is used to prevent the development of muscle atrophy and contractures, improving mobility in the limbs.
- Antimalarial agents are used to alleviate skin manifestations of the disease and reduce corticosteroid dosages.
- In some cases, good results are achieved by using monoclonal antibodies modified against lymphocytic antigen CD.
- In cases of subcutaneous calcinosis, surgical removal of metabolic subcutaneous nodules may be performed.
- In cases where the disease is resistant to corticosteroid treatment, particularly good results can be achieved by using high doses of immunoglobulins (the course of medication lasts about 6 months).
- If the disease develops against the background of oncological pathology, after surgical removal of the tumour, radio- or chemotherapy often leads to relief of dermatomyositis symptoms.
Depending on the individual characteristics of the disease course, other treatment methods may also be applied – patients with dysphagia and muscle inflammation may receive a specially balanced diet, and calcineurin inhibitors may be used to reduce the severity of skin rashes.
Dermatomyositis Treatment in Israel – Diagnostics
The diagnosis of the disease is conducted in a short time and rarely takes more than 3 days. During this period, the patient undergoes all necessary examinations and receives an individually tailored treatment program.
First Day – Arrival at the Clinic
The first day in the country is dedicated to meeting the personal curator-translator and the first consultation with the leading specialist. The curator meets the patient at the airport, helps them settle into the hotel, and takes them for a consultation at the clinic. During the consultation, the doctor studies the medical history, receives the results of previous examinations brought by the patient (if available), and prescribes the necessary diagnostic procedures.
Second Day – Diagnostics
During the second day, the patient undergoes a complete set of examinations, which may include various diagnostic procedures.
- Physical examination. Patients with dermatomyositis complain of characteristic weakness in the legs or arms. A characteristic external diagnostic sign of the disease is a rash (Gottron's sign, heliotrope rash in the form of "glasses"). The rash is an important symptom in the differential diagnosis of dermatomyositis and polymyositis.
- Blood tests help determine elevated levels of enzymes found in skeletal muscles – creatine kinase, aldolase, and other substances.
- Electromyography – the study of electrical transmission of nerve impulses in muscles. It can be used to determine the severity of myopathy and to exclude neurological causes of muscle weakness.
- Muscle tissue biopsy with subsequent laboratory examination of the samples under a microscope. The study allows for the identification of agranulocytes located between muscle fiber cells, as well as the detection of processes of abnormal degeneration of muscle cells. Biopsy is one of the most accurate diagnostic methods for this disease.
In diagnosing dermatomyositis, it is important to exclude the oncological component, so the set of examinations may also include tests for tumor markers, mammography or ultrasound examination, and various types of tomography. Diagnostics may also include examinations of organs affected by accompanying inflammatory processes due to the disease – ECG of the heart, chest X-ray, etc.
Third Day – Medical Council and Treatment Program
During the third day of diagnostics, a medical council is convened, headed by the leading specialist. The doctors review the results of the patient's diagnostics, collectively establish the final diagnosis, and select the most effective treatment program. The patient may also attend the council's work, asking clarifying questions regarding their diagnosis and chosen treatment methods.
Dermatomyositis Treatment in Israel – Cost
Dermatomyositis treatment in Israel is significantly more cost-effective than in clinics in the Old and New Worlds.
In some cases, achieving a stable therapeutic effect may be sufficient to prescribe a course of corticosteroids to the patient, while in other cases, it may be necessary to conduct parallel treatment of oncological pathology and combat pronounced symptoms. However, in both cases, conducting similar treatment in medical centers in the European Union, Canada, Japan, or the USA costs at least 30-40% more than in Israel.
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Advantages of Dermatomyositis Treatment at Top Ihilov Center
- A comprehensive approach to the treatment of the disease. Patients with dermatomyositis need help from experienced immunologists, rheumatologists, physiotherapists, and doctors of other specialties. Such specialists work at Top Ihilov Clinic. Thanks to their joint efforts, many patients with rare autoimmune diseases (including dermatomyositis) have regained their health and lead an active lifestyle.
- The Top Ihilov Medical Center is equipped with modern and high-precision diagnostic and therapeutic equipment. This allows for accurate diagnostics and the use of the latest physiotherapy devices for the treatment of dermatomyositis.
- Our clinic has no language barrier – many doctors speak several languages fluently, including English and Russian. Each patient is accompanied by a curator-translator provided free of charge by the clinic.