"Catch-up" growth in steroid dependent dermatomyositis treated with cyclosporin-A.
OBJECTIVE
To improve the short-term growth, and hopefully final height attainment, of children with dermatomyositis treated with chronic daily corticosteroid regimens.


METHODS
We have examined the growth of nine pre-pubertal children (7F, 2M), mean age 8.9 (range, 5.7-12.3) years, who had severe juvenile dermatomyositis and required persistent corticosteroid therapy. All were treated with cyclosporin-A.


RESULTS
During a mean period of 1.3 years (range 1.0-1.7) cyclosporin-A treatment was associated with a marked decrease in the dosage of prednisolone, from a mean of 12.4 to 6.6 mg/day (p < 0.02), and an increase in height velocity standard deviation score from a mean of -1.37 to +1.39 at 6 months (p < 0.02) and -0.33 at one year. During the first year of treatment with cyclosporin-A, seven patients were able to either withdraw or reduce their prednisolone dose. No side effects of treatment were observed.


CONCLUSIONS
Cyclosporin-A was a useful treatment modality in juvenile dermatomyositis and allowed a decreased dose of corticosteroids and associated "catch-up" growth.
Hamill
G
G
Department of Paediatrics, Hammersmith Hospital, London.
Saunders
C
C
Heckmatt
J
J
Dubowitz
V
V
Stanhope
R
R
D001827:Body Height / Q000187:drug effects; D002648:Child; D002675:Child, Preschool; D016572:Cyclosporine / Q000494:pharmacology / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D003882:Dermatomyositis / Q000150:complications / Q000188:drug therapy*; D004305:Dose-Response Relationship, Drug; D004359:Drug Therapy, Combination; D005260:Female; D006130:Growth Disorders / Q000139:chemically induced / Q000150:complications / Q000517:prevention & control*; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D011239:Prednisolone / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000494:pharmacology / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D013997:Time Factors
D016572:Cyclosporine; D011239:Prednisolone