Favorable outcome of juvenile dermatomyositis treated without systemic corticosteroids.
Publication/Presentation Date
2-1-2010
Abstract
OBJECTIVE: To describe the course of patients with juvenile dermatomyositis (JDM) treated effectively without systemic corticosteroids.
STUDY DESIGN: A retrospective study of 38 patients with JDM treated at a tertiary care children's hospital identified 8 patients who had never received corticosteroids. Disease presentation and course, pharmacologic, and ancillary treatments were recorded.
RESULTS: Patients in the no corticosteroid group were followed for a median of 2.8 years (range, 2.1 to 9.5 years). Treatment was primarily with intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIG) (75%) and methotrexate (50%), with favorable response in all. No serious treatment complications were observed; headaches were reported by 3 patients receiving IVIG. Two patients had a myositis flare after discontinuing all medications for more than 1 year; complete resolution of symptoms was observed after either 1 or 2 further doses of IVIG. Two patients had calcinosis (at 1 and 9 years of disease); however, no patient had joint contractures, muscle atrophy, lipodystrophy, or functional limitations.
CONCLUSIONS: Systemic corticosteroids can be avoided in a select group of patients with JDM. Alternative agents such as methotrexate and IVIG may be prescribed to effectively treat JDM and prevent complications.
Volume
156
Issue
2
First Page
302
Last Page
307
ISSN
1097-6833
Published In/Presented At
Levy, D. M., Bingham, C. A., Kahn, P. J., Eichenfield, A. H., & Imundo, L. F. (2010). Favorable outcome of juvenile dermatomyositis treated without systemic corticosteroids. The Journal of pediatrics, 156(2), 302–307. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jpeds.2009.09.008
Disciplines
Medicine and Health Sciences | Pediatrics
PubMedID
19846111
Department(s)
Department of Pediatrics
Document Type
Article