Eosinophilia-Myalgia Syndrome Medication

  • Author: Thomas A Medsger Jr, MD; Chief Editor: Herbert S Diamond, MD   more...
 
Updated: Jan 19, 2012
 

Medication Summary

No standard of care exists for eosinophilia-myalgia syndrome (EMS). Because the initial outbreak was sudden and widespread, only anecdotal reports and a few retrospective studies are available to aid in treatment decisions. Furthermore, the variable presentation of the syndrome and subjective nature of the symptoms complicates interpretation of these studies.

For early manifestations of EMS, patients are treated according to their symptoms, with muscle relaxants, analgesics, diuretics, and vitamins.

In addition, patients are commonly treated with prednisone because inflammation plays a role. However, in general, authors have concluded that treatment with corticosteroids is not beneficial in reducing the severity or duration of symptoms. Long-term steroid therapy has no role.

Chronic symptoms, such as muscle pain, spasm, weakness, neuropathy, and skin thickening, are noninflammatory and are treated symptomatically. Intermittent use of muscle relaxants and analgesics may be required.

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Corticosteroids

Class Summary

These agents have anti-inflammatory properties and cause profound and varied metabolic effects. Corticosteroids modify the body's immune response to diverse stimuli.

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Prednisone (Sterapred)

 

Results in prompt resolution of eosinophilia. Subjective improvement noted in symptoms of dyspnea, myalgia, and edema in most patients.

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Contributor Information and Disclosures
Author

Thomas A Medsger Jr, MD  Gerald P Rodnan Professor of Medicine, Director, Scleroderma Research Program, Department of Medicine, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine

Thomas A Medsger Jr, MD is a member of the following medical societies: American College of Epidemiology, American College of Rheumatology, American Federation for Medical Research, and Society for Epidemiologic Research

Disclosure: Nothing to disclose.

Coauthor(s)

Mohammed Mubashir Ahmed, MD  Associate Professor, Department of Medicine, Division of Rheumatology, University of Toledo College of Medicine

Mohammed Mubashir Ahmed, MD is a member of the following medical societies: American College of Physicians, American College of Rheumatology, and American Federation for Medical Research

Disclosure: Nothing to disclose.

Eisha Mubashir, MD  Fellow in Rheumatology, Department of Medicine, Fellow, Center of Excellence for Arthritis and Rheumatology, Louisiana State University Health Sciences Center, Shreveport

Disclosure: Nothing to disclose.

Shrilekha Sairam, MD, MBBS  Fellow, Department of Internal Medicine, Division of Rheumatology, University of Texas at Galveston

Disclosure: Nothing to disclose.

Specialty Editor Board

Carlos J Lozada, MD  Director of Rheumatology Fellowship Program, Professor, Department of Medicine, Division of Rheumatology and Immunology, University of Miami, Leonard M Miller School of Medicine

Carlos J Lozada, MD is a member of the following medical societies: American College of Physicians and American College of Rheumatology

Disclosure: Pfizer Honoraria Speaking and teaching; Amgen Honoraria Speaking and teaching

Francisco Talavera, PharmD, PhD  Adjunct Assistant Professor, University of Nebraska Medical Center College of Pharmacy; Editor-in-Chief, Medscape Drug Reference

Disclosure: Medscape Salary Employment

Lawrence H Brent, MD  Associate Professor of Medicine, Jefferson Medical College of Thomas Jefferson University; Chair, Program Director, Department of Medicine, Division of Rheumatology, Albert Einstein Medical Center

Lawrence H Brent, MD is a member of the following medical societies: American Association for the Advancement of Science, American Association of Immunologists, American College of Physicians, and American College of Rheumatology

Disclosure: Abbott Honoraria Speaking and teaching; Centocor Consulting fee Consulting; Genentech Grant/research funds Other; HGS/GSK Honoraria Speaking and teaching; Omnicare Consulting fee Consulting; Pfizer Honoraria Speaking and teaching; Roche Speaking and teaching; Savient Honoraria Speaking and teaching; UCB Honoraria Speaking and teaching

Alex J Mechaber, MD, FACP  Senior Associate Dean for Undergraduate Medical Education, Associate Professor of Medicine, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine

Alex J Mechaber, MD, FACP is a member of the following medical societies: Alpha Omega Alpha, American College of Physicians-American Society of Internal Medicine, and Society of General Internal Medicine

Disclosure: Nothing to disclose.

Chief Editor

Herbert S Diamond, MD  Adjunct Professor of Medicine, Division of Rheumatology, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine; Chairman Emeritus, Department of Internal Medicine, Western Pennsylvania Hospital

Herbert S Diamond, MD is a member of the following medical societies: Alpha Omega Alpha, American College of Physicians, American College of Rheumatology, American Medical Association, and Phi Beta Kappa

Disclosure: Merck Ownership interest Other; Smith Kline Ownership interest Other; Zimmer Ownership interest Other

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