My PhD research focuses on the optimal diagnosis and treatment of patients with idiopathic inflammatory myopathies, better known as myositis.

Myositis is a rare chronic autoimmune disease with inflammation of primarily skeletal muscles. Diagnosis can be challenging, as there is substantial overlap with mimicking conditions. In my PhD research we evaluated the optimal combinations of tests to accurately and efficiently diagnose myositis.

After the diagnosis has been established, treatment is started, which currently consists of high-dosed glucocorticoids. Patients improve with this treatment, but many experience lasting disability; we think the first-line treatment can be further optimized. In my PhD research we are evaluating the efficacy and safety of intravenous immunoglobulins (IVIG) in addition to the standard treatment with glucocorticoids.