Adult and juvenile dermatomyositis treatment

Abstract

Introduction: Dermatomyositis is a rare autoimmune inflammatory condition affecting skin and muscles. The disease can be seen in both adults and children. It can be associated with malignancy. Considering involvement of skin in the disease, many patients consult dermatologists for its treatment. Hence, knowledge about its presentation, complications, prognosis, and treatment is necessary.

Objective: The objective of this review article is to provide comprehensive information about treatment of dermatomyositis.

Methods: In this review article, we reviewed the published literature on adult and juvenile dermatomyositis to highlight the treatment. Articles published in peer-reviewed journals including reviews, clinical trials, case series, and case reports published in electronic database (MEDLINE/PubMed) through January 2021, cross references of respective articles and trials from clinicaltrials.gov were included for qualitative analysis of the literature.

Results: Treatment options for dermatomyositis include traditional immunosuppressive agents and immunomodulatory therapy. High-dose corticosteroids represent the first line of treatment while other immunosuppressive agents are also used, either in combination with or as an alternative to corticosteroids, after initial treatment failure. Some biological agents have been used for the treatment of dermatomyositis with variable responses.

Conclusion: Although several treatment options are available, several questions remain unanswered about the optimal treatment of dermatomyositis.

Keywords: corticosteroids; dermatomyositis; immunosuppressants; malignancy; management.