Eosinophilia-myalgia syndrome: the aftermath

South Med J. 1992 Sep;85(9):878-82. doi: 10.1097/00007611-199209000-00005.

Abstract

We report here the long-term sequelae in 22 patients with L-tryptophan-induced eosinophilia-myalgia syndrome (EMS). The mean follow-up was 23 months (range, 5 to 40 months). Myalgia, rash, pruritus, edema, and respiratory symptoms often improved with the use of corticosteroids, but fatigue and weakness persisted in most cases. Other abnormalities that commonly persisted were arthralgia, muscle-cramping, peripheral neuropathy, and thickened skin. One patient had chronic pulmonary hypertension. These findings indicate that for most patients, EMS is a chronic disorder.

MeSH terms

  • Adrenal Cortex Hormones / therapeutic use
  • Adult
  • Aged
  • Antibodies, Antinuclear / blood
  • Biopsy
  • Blood Sedimentation
  • California
  • Chronic Disease
  • Creatine Kinase / blood
  • Eosinophilia-Myalgia Syndrome* / diagnosis
  • Eosinophilia-Myalgia Syndrome* / drug therapy
  • Eosinophilia-Myalgia Syndrome* / physiopathology
  • Eosinophils / chemistry
  • Female
  • Follow-Up Studies
  • Fructose-Bisphosphate Aldolase / blood
  • Humans
  • Leukocyte Count
  • Male
  • Middle Aged

Substances

  • Adrenal Cortex Hormones
  • Antibodies, Antinuclear
  • Creatine Kinase
  • Fructose-Bisphosphate Aldolase