Cutaneous improvement in refractory adult and juvenile dermatomyositis after treatment with rituximab.

ABSTRACT:

Objective

The aim was to assess the efficacy of rituximab for the cutaneous manifestations of adult DM and JDM.

Methods

Patients with refractory adult DM (n = 72) and JDM (n = 48) were treated with rituximab in a randomized placebo-phase-controlled trial [either rituximab early drug (week 0/1) or rituximab late arms (week 8/9), such that all subjects received study drug]. Stable concomitant therapy was allowed. Cutaneous disease activity was assessed using the Myositis Disease Activity Assessment Tool, which grades cutaneous disease activity on a visual analog scale. A myositis damage assessment tool, termed the Myositis Damage Index, was used to assess cutaneous damage. Improvement post-rituximab was evaluated in individual rashes as well as in cutaneous disease activity an

SUBMITTER: Aggarwal R 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC5854037 | biostudies-literature | 2017 Feb

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature