INFLAMMATORY MYOPATHY - EARLY DIAGNOSIS AND MANAGEMENT BY SERUM MYOSIN LIGHT-CHAINS MEASUREMENTS

The use of serum myosin light chain 1 (MLC1) in the diagnosis and trea tment response of a patient with biopsy proven inflammatory myopathy i s presented. A serum MLC1 level was elevated at presentation despite a normal creatine phosphokinase level. MLC1 levels more closely paralle led the clinical status than the aspartate aminotransferase and lactat e dehydrogenase levels. The results suggest that MLC1 levels may facil itate the early diagnosis and management of patients with inflammatory myopathy. Moreover, the excellent response of our patient to low dose prednisone might suggest that the results of treatment could be impro ved by early detection and institution of therapy.