Long Term Follow-Up Post Allogeneic HSCT
Muscles & Fascia

Updated: October 2010

Corticosteroid induced muscle weakness is often seen in patients on therapy for GVHD. This preferentially affects the proximal muscles resulting in myalgia and weakness which is often slow to resolve on cessation of steroid therapy. Alternate day dosing can result in reduction in the incidence of myopathy.

CGVHD can also be associated with polymyositis with severe proximal muscle weakness, myalgia, arthralgia and results in elevated CK, aldolase. The diagnosis can be confirmed with a muscle biopsy and treated with steroid therapy. CGVHD can also cause fasciitis and disabling sclerodermatous changes.

Recommendations:

• Regular clinical evaluation at clinic visits.
• Physiotherapy offered for patients on long term corticosteroid therapy, fasciitis, sclerodermatous changes.

The information contained in these guidelines is a statement of consensus of Leukemia/BMT Program of BC professionals regarding their views of currently accepted approaches to treatment. Any clinician seeking to apply or consult these documents is expected to use independent medical judgment in the context of individual clinical circumstances to determine any patient’s care or treatment. Use of these guidelines and documents is at your own risk and is subject to the Leukemia/BMT Program of BC’s terms of use available at Terms of Use.