A randomized, pilot trial of etanercept in dermatomyositis.

ABSTRACT:

Objective

The aims of this pilot study were to assess (1) the safety and tolerability of etanercept in dermatomyositis (DM); (2) the feasibility and safety of a forced prednisone taper; and (3) outcome measures, including those recommended by the International Myositis Assessment Clinical Study (IMACS) group.

Methods

We conducted a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial of etanercept (50mg subcutaneously weekly) for 52 weeks in DM subjects. Subjects were tapered off prednisone in a standardized schedule as tolerated over the initial 24 weeks of the study. Principal outcomes included adverse events, time from randomization to treatment failure (inability to wean off prednisone on schedule), and average prednisone dosage after week 24.

Results

Sixteen subjec

SUBMITTER: Muscle Study Group 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC3170432 | biostudies-literature | 2011 Sep

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature