Favorable Outcome of Juvenile Dermatomyositis Treated without Systemic Corticosteroids

Deborah M. Levy, C. April Bingham, Philip J. Kahn, Andrew H. Eichenfield, Lisa F. Imundo

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

23 Scopus citations

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.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Pages (from-to)302-307
Number of pages6
JournalJournal of Pediatrics
Volume156
Issue number2
DOIs
StatePublished - Feb 2010

All Science Journal Classification (ASJC) codes

  • Pediatrics, Perinatology, and Child Health

Fingerprint

Dive into the research topics of 'Favorable Outcome of Juvenile Dermatomyositis Treated without Systemic Corticosteroids'. Together they form a unique fingerprint.

Cite this