Clinical analysis and long-term follow-up of 612 cases with juvenile dermatomyositis / 中华风湿病学杂志

ABSTRACT

Objective:To explore the clinical characteristic and prognosis of juvenile dermatomyositis (JDM) by retrospectively study of the clinical manifestations, laboratory examinations, treatment and follow-up results. The aim of this study was to improve the diagnosis and treatment of JDM and reduce the complications and mortality.Methods:Medical charts of 612 JDM cases hospitalized to Beijing children's hospital from July 2002 to July 2018. We retrospectively analyze the onset, clinical manifestations, laboratory examinations, treatment and the follow-up, and then summarize the clinical characteristics and assess the therapeutic effect and prognosis.Results:There were 278 male and 334 female. The maleto female ratio was 1∶1.2. Themedian age at symptoms onset was 5.4(2.9-8.4) years old (range 6 months to 14 years). Rash was the most common initial presentation. The main clinical manifestations were rash (100%, 612 cases) and muscles weakness (96.1%, 588 cases). The most commonly involved organs by JDM were lung (57.5%, 352 cases), digestive tract (38.5%, 236 cases) and heart (32.5%, 199 cases). Muscle enzymes elevated in 95.5% (584 cases) of the patients and 89.5%(534 cases) of the patients had typical changes on electromyography. Muscle biopsy was performed in 134 patients and pathologicresults were compatible with JDM. For the treatment, all of the patients were treated by steroids plus therapy combined with immunosuppressive agents. Mostof the patients got good effect and outcome. Twenty-four patients died, and acute respiratory failurewas the most common cause of death. 17.9%(105 cases) of patients had complications. The complications included calcinosis in 70 patients and amyotrophy in 35 patients.Conclusion:JDM is a rare disease of children, andis characterized by muscle weaknessand rash. Severe organ involvement may cause death. Treatments include corticosteroids and immunosuppressive agents, andthe outcome is generally good.