CHRONICITY OF THE EOSINOPHILIA-MYALGIA-SYNDROME - A REASSESSMENT AFTER 3 YEARS

Objective. To define the natural history and outcome of eosinophilia-m yalgia syndrome (EMS) among a cohort of patients followed up at one ce nter since the onset of their disease. Methods. Fifty-seven patients w ith well-characterized EMS were evaluated prospectively at a universit y hospital for 21-64 months (mean 36 months). Results. Eighty-eight pe rcent of the patients continue to have symptomatic disease with >3 cli nical manifestations. Fatigue (91%), muscle cramping (75%), myalgia (7 0%), paresthesias with objectively demonstrated hypesthesias (62%), ar ticular symptoms (54%), scleroderma-like skin changes (44%), and proxi mal muscle weakness (40%) are the most common features of chronic EMS. New findings identified among this cohort include cognitive symptoms in 86% of the study group, tremor, and myoclonus. Conclusion. The reco gnition of new manifestations in EMS and ongoing clinical disease in 8 8% of patients highlights the chronic nature of this disorder. Continu ed prospective followup of a large patient base is warranted to furthe r define the natural history of this newly recognized illness.