SIGNIFICANCE OF LACTATE ESTIMATION IN DEBILITATED MYOPATHIES AND TREATMENT PROGRAMS Lactate levels in myopathies

BACKGROUND Metabolic alteration such as acidosis and abnormally high levels of lactate productions are responsible for development of disabilities in polymyositis and dermatomyositis. Interestingly, this has been suggested that by proper aerobic training, combined with muscle strengthening exercises, shows improve aerobic capacity and muscle metabolism. AIM AND OBJECTIVES The present study was undertaken to evaluate lactate concentrations in myopathy patients and determines the efficacy of exercise therapy in improving aerobic status of such patients. MATERIALS AND METHODS Selected myopathy patients grouped as PM (n = 12 patients) and DM (n = 8 patients). The effects of physical therapy treatments were assessed by lactate estimation at zero, 15th and 28th days. RESULTS Gradual decline in lactate concentration was noted in both PM and DM group, however more prominently in later than in former. The total decline in lactate levels from zero days to 28th day was 42% for PM patients and a considerable 63% for DM patients. CONCLUSION It was suggested that estimation of lactate levels in PM and DM patients is of some metabolic importance and physiotherapy treatments did cause improvement in aerobic efficiency of muscles, which was depicted by periodic decline in lactate concentration after 15 and 28 days.