Dermatomyositis can affect children and adults. It is characterized by muscle weakness and skin lesions, but other tissues may be affected. The standard treatment for this condition is corticosteroid therapy; it must be administered as early as possible, in particular to increase the chances of recovery.
1. What are the symptoms of dermatomyositis?
Dermatomyositis is a rare condition that mainly affects the muscles and skin. It is an autoimmune disease whose etiology remains unknown. Dermatomyositis is a condition that occurs preferentially in women, as specified on the Orphanet website. Symptoms of dermatomyositis can appear in childhood or adulthood. These symptoms usually develop over a few weeks or even months. They are characterized by skin damage and inflammatory myopathy. The epidermis is covered with red patches or purple lesions; hardened masses, called calcinoses, can also appear under the skin. Bilateral muscle weakness also sets in. The cardiorespiratory muscles can sometimes be affected. Other symptoms may appear, such as joint damage for example.
2. How is dermatomyositis diagnosed?
First of all, the diagnosis can be guided by the clinical examination of the symptoms. Signs of musculocutaneous damage are characteristic of the disease. Muscle damage can be estimated by muscle testing. A blood test to assess signs of inflammation, the quantity of muscle enzymes or the presence of autoantibodies is essential. The AFM-Téléthon site specifies, on its page dedicated to dermatomyositis, that the blood of patients affected by this pathology can contain up to around thirty autoantibodies. The diagnosis can be completed by an electromyogram (test allowing the study of muscles), a muscle biopsy, and by medical imaging images (muscle MRI).
3. What are the existing treatments for dermatomyositis?
It is important to point out that, without treatment, dermatomyositis cannot be cured and can progress significantly. Although it is a rare pathology, it nevertheless represents the most common inflammatory myopathy in children, as highlighted by the High Authority of Health (HAS). In children, but also in adults, treatments can lead to cures without relapses. The standard treatment is a treatment based on corticosteroids which are generally combined with methotrexate, which is an immunosuppressive drug. Other immunosuppressive treatments can also be used (cyclosporine, tacrolimus, or even cyclophosphamide). Targeted therapies may also be offered. Physiotherapy sessions and the practice of regular and appropriate physical exercises are also part of the treatment.
Sources
- Dermatomyositis, Orpha.net, the portal for rare diseases and orphan drugs, 2013
- Dermatomyositis, AFM-Téléthon, January 26, 2024
- National Diagnostic and Care Protocol (PNDS) Dermatomyositis in children and adults, High Authority of Health, July 2016