Polymyositis

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Procedure Description

Polymyositis is a rare and chronic inflammatory condition affecting the muscles, particularly those closest to the trunk, such as the shoulders, hips, and neck. Classified as an idiopathic inflammatory myopathy, polymyositis results in muscle weakness, inflammation, and progressive loss of muscle strength. This autoimmune disorder occurs when the body's immune system mistakenly attacks its muscle tissues, leading to inflammation and subsequent muscle damage. While its exact cause is unknown, genetic and environmental factors are believed to play significant roles in its development.

Patients with polymyositis experience a variety of symptoms, including muscle pain, fatigue, and difficulties with basic physical functions such as climbing stairs, lifting objects, or even swallowing. Unlike other conditions that cause muscle deterioration, polymyositis typically affects muscles symmetrically on both sides of the body. Diagnosis often involves a combination of clinical evaluation, blood tests (for markers like creatine kinase), electromyography (EMG), muscle biopsy, and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI).

Treatment for polymyositis generally aims to manage inflammation, improve muscle strength, and prevent complications. Therapies often include corticosteroids, immunosuppressive drugs, and physical therapy. In some cases, newer biologic treatments and intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIG) may be used to control the immune response. Due to the progressive nature of the disease, treatment plans are personalized and can evolve over time, focusing on symptom control, improving quality of life, and maintaining as much physical function as possible.

Procedure Duration

The duration of polymyositis treatment is highly individualized and varies based on the severity of symptoms, patient response to therapy, and progression of the condition. Initially, corticosteroids such as prednisone are often prescribed in high doses to control inflammation and reduce muscle weakness. The initial phase may last several weeks to months, during which time patients may notice a gradual improvement in strength and a reduction in inflammation. Following this, the dosage of steroids is typically tapered to maintain control over symptoms while minimizing side effects.

Long-term management is a crucial aspect of treating polymyositis. Immunosuppressants, such as methotrexate or azathioprine, are often introduced to reduce reliance on steroids and to control the immune system's attack on muscles. These medications require careful monitoring, as they can take several months to demonstrate full efficacy. Physical and occupational therapy play a central role in the rehabilitation process, helping patients regain muscle strength and improve their functional abilities.

Recovery and remission from polymyositis vary significantly among patients. While some individuals achieve a good response to therapy and regain muscle strength, others may have a relapsing-remitting course, necessitating adjustments to treatment plans. The overall treatment journey can span years, with periods of intense therapy followed by maintenance and monitoring phases. Patients often require ongoing support from a multidisciplinary team, including rheumatologists, neurologists, and rehabilitation specialists, to manage the condition effectively.

Benefits

  • Symptom Control:
    Treatments help reduce muscle pain, inflammation, and improve muscle function, significantly enhancing patients' daily living.
  • Improved Quality of Life:
    With proper management and therapy, patients can regain strength, improve mobility, and lead more independent lives.
  • Personalized Treatment Plans:
    Treatment strategies are tailored to individual needs, allowing a flexible approach that can evolve as the disease progresses or stabilizes.
  • Innovative Treatment Options:
    Newer therapies, including biologics and IVIG, offer potential alternatives for patients not responding well to conventional treatments.
  • Comprehensive Rehabilitation Support:
    Physical and occupational therapy are integrated into treatment, focusing on long-term physical improvement and quality of life.

Potential Destinations

  • Germany:
    Germany is known for its advanced healthcare system and expertise in treating autoimmune and neuromuscular conditions like polymyositis. Patients benefit from access to top-notch rheumatologists, personalized treatment plans, and state-of-the-art rehabilitation centers.
  • India:
    With its growing medical tourism sector, India offers cost-effective yet high-quality treatment for polymyositis. Leading hospitals in major cities like Mumbai, Delhi, and Bangalore are equipped with multidisciplinary teams of specialists, providing comprehensive care at a fraction of the cost compared to many Western countries.
  • Turkey:
    Turkey has become a popular destination for international patients seeking treatment for complex conditions such as polymyositis. Turkish hospitals are known for their experienced rheumatologists, modern facilities, and holistic approaches to rehabilitation and therapy, often combining Western medicine with personalized care.
  • South Korea:
    South Korea is renowned for its medical advancements and high-quality healthcare services. Patients with polymyositis can find top-tier medical facilities offering integrative treatment plans that include immunotherapy, physical rehabilitation, and nutritional support.
  • Mexico:
    For patients seeking affordable treatment closer to the United States, Mexico offers competitive healthcare options. The country's leading medical centers provide comprehensive care for polymyositis, featuring board-certified rheumatologists and rehabilitation specialists experienced in autoimmune diseases.

Risks & Considerations

  • Medication Side Effects:
    Corticosteroids and immunosuppressants, commonly used in treatment, can cause side effects such as weight gain, osteoporosis, increased infection risk, and gastrointestinal issues.
  • Disease Relapse:
    Despite treatment, some patients may experience relapses, requiring adjustments to medication or more aggressive interventions.
  • Long-Term Therapy Needs:
    Polymyositis is a chronic condition that often necessitates lifelong management, which can pose challenges in terms of medication adherence and maintaining physical therapy routines.
  • Potential Muscle Atrophy:
    Without effective therapy and rehabilitation, muscle weakness can progress to atrophy, affecting the patient's mobility and overall physical function.
  • Emotional and Psychological Impact:
    The chronic nature of polymyositis can affect mental well-being. Patients may experience anxiety, depression, or emotional distress, necessitating psychological support and counseling.

How to Choose the Right Doctor and Hospital

When seeking treatment for polymyositis, it is crucial to choose a doctor with experience in treating autoimmune myopathies. Rheumatologists and neurologists specializing in neuromuscular diseases are typically the most qualified to diagnose and treat polymyositis. Prospective patients should inquire about the doctor's experience with the condition, treatment approaches, and access to multidisciplinary support, such as physical therapists, immunologists, and nutritionists.

Choosing the right hospital is equally important. Accredited hospitals with advanced facilities for diagnosis, treatment, and rehabilitation provide the best outcomes. Look for centers that offer a comprehensive approach to care, including access to diagnostic imaging, laboratory services, rehabilitation units, and ongoing patient support. Reviews from past patients and international accreditations can provide insight into the hospital's quality of care and standards.

To receive a free quote for this procedure please click on the link: https://www.medicaltourism.com/get-a-quote

Patients are advised to seek hospitals that are accredited by Global Healthcare and only work with medical tourism facilitators who are certified by Global Healthcare Accreditation or who have undergone certification from the Certified Medical Travel Professionals (CMTP). This ensures that the highest standards in the industry are met. GHA accredits the top hospitals in the world. These are the best hospitals in the world for quality and providing the best patient experience. Click the link to check out hospitals accredited by the Global Healthcare Accreditation: https://www.globalhealthcareaccreditation.com

Frequently Asked Questions

What actually happens during hyperstimulation of the ovaries?

The patient will take injectable FSH (follicle stimulating hormone) for eight to eleven days, depending on how long the follicles take to mature. This hormone is produced naturally in a woman’s body causing one egg to develop per cycle. Taking the injectable FSH causes several follicles to develop at once, at approximately the same rate. The development is monitored with vaginal ultrasounds and following the patient’s levels of estradiol and progesterone. FSH brand names include Repronex, Follistim, Menopur, Gonal-F and Bravelle. The patient injects herself daily.

What happens during egg retrieval?

When the follicles have developed enough to be harvested, the patient attends an appointment  where she is anesthetized and prepared for the procedure. Next, the doctor uses an ultrasound probe to guide a needle through the vaginal wall and into the follicle of the ovary. The thin needle draws the follicle fluid, which is then examined by an embryologist to find the eggs. The whole process takes about 20 minutes.

What happens to the eggs?

In the next step, the harvested eggs are then fertilized. If the sperm from the potential father, or in some cases, anonymous donor, has normal functionality, the eggs and sperm are placed together in a dish with a nutrient fluid, then incubated overnight to fertilize normally. If the sperm functionality is suboptimal, an embryologist uses Intracytoplasmic Sperm Injection to inject a single sperm into a single egg with an extremely precise glass needle.  Once fertilization is complete, the embryos are assessed and prepared to be transferred to the patient’s uterus.

How are the embryos transferred back to the uterus?

The doctor and the patient will discuss the number of embryos to be transferred. The number of successfully fertilized eggs usually determines the number of eggs to be placed in the uterus. Embryos are transferred to the uterus with transabdominal ultrasound guidance. This process does not require anesthesia, but it can cause minor cervical or uterine discomfort. Following transfer, the patient is advised to take at least one days bed rest and two or three additional days of rest, then 10 to 12 days later, two pregnancy tests are scheduled to confirm success. Once two positive tests are completed, an obstetrical ultrasound is ordered to show the sac, fetal pole, yolk sac and fetal heart rate.

Embryoscope©

Built into this technology there is a microscope with a powerful camera that allows the uninterrupted monitoring of the embryo during its first hours of life. In this way, we can keep a close eye on the embryo, from the moment when the oocyte is inseminated and begins to divide into smaller and smaller cells, until it can be transferred to the uterus.

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