Objective: Inclusion body myositis (IBM) is the most common form of idiopathic inflammatory myopathy in adults older than 50 years. Few studies have focused on the functional, physical, and social limitations of this disease. This study identifies pertinent symptoms that impact the health and daily function of patients with IBM.
Methods: We used semistructured interviews with 10 biopsy-confirmed adults with IBM to identify the psychological, physical, and functional limitations that have the greatest impact on the lives of patients with IBM.
Results: Participants with IBM provided 644 direct quotes identifying issues that have the greatest effect on their lives. Two hundred nine individual symptoms and 17 symptomatic themes were identified by patients as having a significant impact on their lives. The symptomatic themes mentioned most frequently involved mobility and ambulation, emotional distress, and activity impairment.
Conclusions: Identifying critical issues to patients with IBM is potentially useful for clinicians whose aim is to provide optimal care to patients with IBM.