Ahmedabad: On the occasion of World Myositis Day, the Rheumatology Association Gujarat (RAG), in association with the Myoin Society and supported by Antardhwani, organised a Patient Awareness & Support Programme at Smt. NHL Municipal Medical College, Ahmedabad, under the theme “Living Stronger with Myositis.”
The programme brought together patients, caregivers, families and rheumatology experts to raise awareness about myositis, emphasising early diagnosis, timely specialist consultation, multidisciplinary care, rehabilitation and long-term patient support.
Myositis comprises a group of rare inflammatory muscle disorders that can cause progressive muscle weakness and may also affect the skin, lungs, joints and swallowing muscles. Symptoms such as difficulty climbing stairs, getting up from a chair, lifting the arms and persistent fatigue may sometimes be mistaken for ageing or lack of fitness, potentially resulting in delays in diagnosis.
Dr. Anuj Shukla, Secretary, Rheumatology Association Gujarat, said, “Early symptoms of myositis can easily be overlooked. Timely evaluation by a rheumatologist is important for early diagnosis and appropriate management, while patient and caregiver awareness can provide much-needed support.”
Dr. Vishnu Sharma, President, Rheumatology Association Gujarat, said, “Myositis can affect multiple organs, making coordinated care important. Greater awareness can help reduce diagnostic delays and support comprehensive treatment.”
Ahmedabad Study Highlights Importance of Early Specialist Care
The programme also highlighted Gujarat-specific evidence on the importance of timely specialist care. A six-year study conducted at Niruj Rheumatology Clinic, Ahmedabad, between July 2016 and July 2022, followed 40 patients with idiopathic inflammatory myositis for an average of 44 months.
According to the study, 32 patients, or 80%, achieved remission, while five patients died and three continued to have active disease. The study also reported an association between rheumatologist consultation delayed beyond one year and chronic disease as well as greater disease-related damage.
Dr. Vineeta Shobha, Rheumatologist, said, “Myositis can vary significantly between patients. Regular monitoring, appropriate treatment and attention to complications such as lung and swallowing involvement are essential for long-term care.”
The awareness programme included discussions on early warning signs, medications, safe exercise, nutrition, fatigue and pain management, and lung and swallowing-related complications. A multidisciplinary expert interaction and open-house session provided patients and caregivers an opportunity to interact directly with specialists and discuss their experiences.
Dr. Ram Nath Misra, Rheumatologist, said, “Patient education is an important part of myositis care. Understanding the condition, treatment and rehabilitation can help patients and families manage the journey with greater confidence.”
Focus on Myositis Awareness and Research
Globally, idiopathic inflammatory myopathies (IIMs) have an estimated prevalence of 2–25 cases per 100,000 people and incidence of 0.2–2 per 100,000 person-years, according to a 2023 review published in Nature Reviews Rheumatology. Indian studies involving 250 IIM patients and 103 antibody-positive patients have reported dermatomyositis as the predominant subtype, along with distinct clinical patterns across different antibody groups.
Through the “Living Stronger with Myositis” initiative, the Rheumatology Association Gujarat and Myoin Society reiterated the importance of early recognition, timely specialist care, appropriate treatment, rehabilitation and continued patient support for people living with myositis.