Abstract | BACKGROUND:
Dermatomyositis is associated with significant morbidity and occasional mortality. Currently there is no consensus on treatment for patients with dermatomyositis. OBJECTIVE: METHODS: Clinical characteristics of 65 patients seen during a 10-year period were reviewed retrospectively. Twenty-one of these patients were enrolled in a prospective, uncontrolled study of treatment with high-dose prednisone followed by slow tapering. RESULTS: Clinical features were similar to those previously described; however, muscle strength at diagnosis was on average greater in patients in this series than in patients previously reported. Malignancy was present in 5 of 43 adult patients (12%), but was not found in patients with juvenile dermatomyositis. Another connective tissue disease was present in 19% of patients. Twelve patients had dermatomyositis sine myositis. Eighteen of 21 patients (85%) in the prednisone study group had resolution of myositis. CONCLUSION:
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Authors | M A Dawkins, J L Jorizzo, F O Walker, D Albertson, S H Sinal, A Hinds |
Journal | Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology
(J Am Acad Dermatol)
Vol. 38
Issue 3
Pg. 397-404
(Mar 1998)
ISSN: 0190-9622 [Print] United States |
PMID | 9520020
(Publication Type: Journal Article, Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't)
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Chemical References |
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Topics |
- Adult
- Child
- Dermatomyositis
(complications, drug therapy, pathology)
- Female
- Humans
- Male
- Middle Aged
- Neoplasms
(complications)
- Prednisone
(administration & dosage)
- Retrospective Studies
- Skin
(pathology)
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