[Immunosuppressive therapy of polymyositis]

The polymyositis can in my view be classed with the autoimmunopathies. This classification is supported with the aid of a survey of experimental findings. Consequently a theoretical basis for the justification of an immunosuppressive therapy emerges. The significance of the glucocorticoide in the treatment programme of polymyositis is brought out and the experience with cytostatica (especially Azathioprin, Methotrexat and Cyclophosphamid) obtained up to now by separate observation are dealt with in a short review of the literature and the two own cases, and--because such case report has no representative value--comprised in a pronsional conclusion. Controls of the erythrocyte sedimentation rate, the blood count, the fibrinogen level and the lymphocyte transformation test have proved a reliable measure for an optimal immunosuppressive effect. Finally an incontrolled administration of cytostatic agents is warned of with reference to mutagenic, teratogenic and oncogenic zequelae.