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Dr. Rajesh Patel, MD.
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Ask the Doctor!
February 2010
Q:
My mom has polymyalgia and was told by my physician that since I am the only girl in my family that I too
will likely have this autoimmune disease. Is this true?
-- C. Evans, Brandon, MS
A:
Genetic strength dictates the level of inheritance in any given condition. Diseases associated with a strong genetic pattern are more likely to be inherited. Partially genetic diseases are occasionally inherited. Non-genetic conditions are not inherited. In general, as far as mother-to-daughter genetic inheritance odds, we see that there's a 50% chance of a disease, because it depends on whether she acquires either the normal or abnormal X chromosome from the mother. In discussing siblings, women have 3 times the risk compared to that of her sibling brother. But this risk depends upon genetic strength (dominance) as well.
Polymyalgia Rheumatica (PMR) typically does not appear to have very strong genetic tendencies. On the other hand, we do see statistical patterns that suggest some kind of genetic role. But there is not enough concrete information in order to appreciate an exact degree of genetic significance.
Additionally, we have yet to pinpoint an exact cause of PMR. Suspected causes include a dysfunctional immune system, a trigger event (i.e., an infection), and, yes, genetics. Chances are that it's a mixture of all of these causes. Age also seems to be a significant factor, since most people are diagnosed well after age 50 (average age is 70), with a higher likelihood as age increases at that point. Caucasian women (especially of Scandinavian descent) seem to have a higher predisposition to this disorder.
Symptoms mainly consist of musculoskeletal pain and stiffness of the neck, shoulders and hips. They usually last over 30 minutes and can either creep up gradually or appear literally overnight. The stiffness usually surfaces after periods of inactivity, such as sleeping. This is why it's most noticeable in the morning. Common therapies include anti-inflammatory medications, hot/cold packs, stretching/exercise, weight loss, relaxation techniques and mechanical devices (i.e., canes, braces). Another option is steroid therapy, which can greatly help diminish these symptoms. Therapy will not, however, reduce the actual length of the disease. PMR usually resolves within 1 to 2 years.
PMR can be associated with other symptoms as well. These include a loss of appetite, night sweats, low fever, excessive fatigue, unintentional weight loss and depression. It's important to see a physician if these symptoms appear. Special attention should be made to any visual disturbance or tenderness to the side of the head. Although these symptoms occur only 10-20% of times, they require urgent medical attention. Polymyalgia rheumatica is a disorder that can either overlap or mimic some other conditions. Symptoms may also be simply disregarded as a normal occurrence of the aging process. But constant pain should not be acceptable. Seeing a physician will help shed light on this condition and find successful treatment.
Many of our readers who follow Dr. Patel's "Ask The Doctor" column have requested access to previous answers.
Therefore, we've created an archive starting with August 2008.
Archives
01.10 - Assessing a Hydrocele
12.09 - Gall Bladder Removal & Colon Cancer
11.09 - Advice About Thyroid Cancer
10.09 - Cancer of the Stomach
09.09 - Understanding Bone Cancer
08.09 - Detecting Cervical Cancer
07.09 - Weight Management
06.09 - Preventing Cervical Cancer by Vaccination
05.09 - The Role of Radiotherapy
04.09 - Dealing with Depression: Symptoms & Treatment
03.09 - Recent Pancreatic Headlines & Early Symptoms
01.09 - The Link Between Obesity and Cancer
11.08 - Neupogen versus Neulasta
10.08 - Risks & Symptoms of Diabetes
09.08 - Iron Supplements
08.08 - Mammograms, PSA and Colonoscopy Testing
Submit your questions to askthedoctor@nowoodennickels.org
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