Clinical features and disease course of patients with juvenile dermatomyositis

Abstract

Objective: To describe the clinical features and course of a cohort of patients with juvenile dermatomyositis (JDM) at a tertiary referral pediatric centre in Australia and examine changes in diagnostic and therapeutic approach over time. Methods: Retrospective review of patients diagnosed with JDM at the Royal Children's Hospital, Melbourne, between 1989 and 2010. Results: Fifty-seven patients were identified. The female male ratio was 2 1 and median age at diagnosis was 7.1 years (2.2-15.3). At diagnosis, 95% had weakness, all had typical rash and 68% had nailfold capillary changes. Calcinosis was not present in any patients at diagnosis and occurred in 18% over time. Creatine kinase, lact..