Polymyositis & Dermatomyositis Support Group

Polymyositis (PM) is a type of chronic inflammation of the muscles (inflammatory myopathy) related to dermatomyositis and inclusion body myositis. The inflammation is predominantly of the endomysium in polymyositis, whereas dermatomyositis is characterized by primarily perimysial inflammation.

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Muscles & Bones
/ Polymyositis & Dermatomyositis Support Group

Yet Another Problem

kendrac26
kendrac26
My mom was diagnosed with Polymyositis 3 years ago, she's been on Prednisone ever since then. This time she came back to the doctor with news that she has to go see a nephrologist (kidney doctor). She has had mild renal insufficiency for a while and it's not getting better. I'm starting to wonder if it's from being on prednisone for such a long time. Does anyone else have the same thing or ever heard of it? I'm kinda freaking out about it.
deleted_user
deleted_user
she on a immune suppresent i know the metho can cause that...........
kendrac26
kendrac26
She was on methotrexate but they took her off when she developed ILD. She just finished Cytoxan infusions and is back on Cellcept.
trpt1
trpt1
Hi Kendrac26. I am sorry to hear that your mom is having difficulties. Renal insufficiency unfortunately does happen for some people with PM or DM. Renal insufficiency is not a side effect of prednisone, but a part of disease pathology for some people. It is important to know that good health can be maintained with a bad diagnosis.

I started with DM. In my second year with DM, I now have: Secondary Pulmonary Hypertension, Epilepsy, Glaucoma, Osteoporosis, Raynaud's, Sojogren's, and Cateracts. I am actually doing well and I know it is because I am on my church prayer list. I actively study the bible and my relationship with The Lord makes the difference.

I was concerned that I might be developing renal insuffiency because I had small amounts of blood in my urine. After several tests, the urologist told me that I am fine. I do understand your concerns.

The most important thing is not to worry. The best thing to do with a bad diagnosis is to thank The Lord, then watch your diet, take vitamins/supplements and do what the doctor tells you. The disease will do what it will do. It is possible to manage and move forward well.

I know that you are a big encouragement for your mother. I promise that your encouragement does great things to improve her health. Keep us posted on her progress. I have put in a prayer for your mom and you.
wonup
wonup
If your mom has simple polymyositis, it is very rare it causes kidney failure. Prednisone does not cause kidney issues either. I'm sure the Doc will try to pinpoint the problem and work to keep it from progressing. If you can, go with your mom and ask lots of questions so your comfortable with the diagnosis and prognosis. It will also help her remember what's what when she gets home!
deleted_user
deleted_user
Is your mom diabetic?? Or have any other autoimmune diagnoses?
Prednisone can cause diabetes or hypertension and those can cause kidney problems. It's really good that she's going to see a nephrologist now instead of waiting and letting the problem get worse. I read this study once that one of the main contributors to delaying worsening kidney problems is seeing a nephrologist early in the process.

Good luck!!
lexisgirl
lexisgirl
I've been on Prednisone almost 5 years and haven't had any kidney issues. I am also on MTX. I get my blood work pulled every month to test my kidney and liver function. While she was in MTX, did she get that done? If so, was her blood work okay then and this is new?

I've not been told that Prednisone can cause kidney problems. I would suspect it is something else but I am certainly not a doctor. I do hope they can help her and everything will work out okay.