Treatment of calcinosis in juvenile dermatomyositis with probenecid: the role of phosphorus metabolism in the development of calcifications.
OBJECTIVE
To report the efficacy of probenecid for calcinosis of juvenile dermatomyositis (JDM) and assess the changes in phosphorus metabolism during treatment.


METHODS
Biochemical studies of calcium and phosphorus metabolism were performed in a 9-year-old girl with JDM and extensive calcifications before and during probenecid treatment.


RESULTS
The calcifications resolved over 18 months of treatment. Probenecid was found to be effective in reducing calcifications by increasing renal phosphate clearance.


CONCLUSIONS
The tendency for calcifications in some patients with JDM might be related to an increase in renal phosphate reclamation, and therefore, probenecid treatment may be effective in these patients.
Harel
L
L
Department Pediatrics C, Schneider Children's Medical Center of Israel, Petah Tikva.
Harel
G
G
Korenreich
L
L
Straussberg
R
R
Amir
J
J
D002114:Calcinosis / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000209:etiology; D002118:Calcium / Q000378:metabolism; D002648:Child; D003882:Dermatomyositis / Q000150:complications / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000378:metabolism*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D010758:Phosphorus / Q000378:metabolism*; D011339:Probenecid / Q000008:administration & dosage*; D011859:Radiography; D014528:Uricosuric Agents / Q000008:administration & dosage*
D014528:Uricosuric Agents; D010758:Phosphorus; D011339:Probenecid; D002118:Calcium