IBM is a rare type of inflammatory muscular disorder that usually presents itself in the adult life most often after the age of 50, which presents as slow progressive weakness and withering away of the muscles of the arms and legs.

 

IBM also called Inclusion body myositis is one of rare type of inflammatory myopathies, which is characterized by chronic muscle inflammation (myositis) accompanied by muscle weakness and withering away (Atrohy) of the muscles of arms and legs. The onset of muscle weakness in IBM is generally gradual (over months or years) and affects both proximal (close to the trunk of the body) and distal (further away from the trunk) muscles. 

Signs and symptoms

• It is more often seen in males than females.
• IBM is characterized by the gradual onset over months or years.
• Inclusion body myositis frequently is diagnosed when a patient is unresponsive to therapy prescribed for polymyositis.
• Falling and tripping is one of the commonest symptom to be noticed first.
• In few individuals, the disorder begins with weakness in the wrists and fingers which results in difficulty with pinching, buttoning, and gripping objects.
• Symptoms of the disease usually begin after the age of 50, although the disease can occur earlier.
• Weakness of the wrist and finger muscles.
• Atrophy (thinning or loss of muscle bulk) of the forearm muscles and quadricep muscles in the legs is seen.
• In more than 50 % of the affected people swallowing difficulty is seen.

Treatment

There is no standard course of treatment for IBM as of now. The practiced empirical treatment is

• Symptomatic and supportive
• Intravenous immunoglobulin
• Physical therapy