Abstract
Three patients suffering from classic dermatomyositis (juvenile and adult-onset) with prominent recalcitrant skin manifestations are described. All patients demonstrated good control of muscle symptoms on immunosuppressive medications, but their cutaneous disease persisted despite treatment with at least 4 different systemic treatments and topical agents. They were given rituximab, a monoclonal anti-CD20 antibody, achieving a response with minimal side effects. We document our experience with this medication for the cutaneous lesions of dermatomyositis.
MeSH terms
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Adolescent
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Adult
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Antibodies, Monoclonal / administration & dosage
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Antibodies, Monoclonal / therapeutic use*
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Antibodies, Monoclonal, Murine-Derived
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Antigens, CD20 / immunology
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Dermatomyositis / diagnosis
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Dermatomyositis / drug therapy*
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Diagnostic Errors
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Drug Evaluation
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Drug Therapy, Combination
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Female
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Humans
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Immunosuppressive Agents / administration & dosage
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Immunosuppressive Agents / therapeutic use*
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Lupus Erythematosus, Systemic / diagnosis
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Macrolides / therapeutic use
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Methotrexate / therapeutic use
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Middle Aged
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Remission Induction
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Rituximab
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Steroids / administration & dosage
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Steroids / therapeutic use
Substances
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Antibodies, Monoclonal
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Antibodies, Monoclonal, Murine-Derived
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Antigens, CD20
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Immunosuppressive Agents
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Macrolides
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Steroids
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Rituximab
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Methotrexate