Environmental Risk Factors for Myositis in Military Personnel -
Myositis is a rare disease in which the body's immune cells
attack the muscle tissue. It can cause muscle weakness,
swelling, and pain. It can develop in people with no history of
muscle problems. Environmental exposures may determine who
develops myositis. Genes may also affect development of the
disease. - Some people who serve in the military develop
myositis. However, other military personnel do not. Researchers
want to compare military personnel with and without myositis.
They will look for common factors that might have led to the
disease. - To study environmental risk factors for myositis in
military personnel. - Military personnel who developed myositis
during their period of service. - Healthy military personnel who
do not have myositis or another autoimmune disease. -
Participants will have a physical exam and medical history. -
Participants will fill out forms about environmental exposures,
particularly while in the military. The quest