title: Current pharmacological treatment of idiopathic inflammatory myopathies.
abstract: The idiopathic inflammatory myopathies are uncommon and heterogeneous disorders. Their classification is based on distinct clinicopathologic features. Although idiopathic inflammatory myopathies share some similarities, different subtypes may have variable responses to therapy, so it is very important to distinguish the correct subtype. There are few randomised, double blind placebo controlled studies to support the current treatment. High dose corticosteroids continue to be the first-line therapy and other immunosupressive drugs are used in refractory cases, as well as steroid-sparing agents. Some novel therapeutic approaches have emerged as potential treatment including tacrolimus, intravenous immunoglobulin and rituximab, following good outcomes reported in case studies. However, more randomised controlled trials are needed. This review considers the current and the potential future therapies for inflammatory myopathies.
authors.affiliation: a Rheumatology Unit, Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine , Second University of Naples , Naples , Italy.
authors.forename: Serena
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Fasano
authors.affiliation: b Internal Medicine Unit, Department of Medicine , Hospital de Cascais , Cascais , Portugal.
authors.forename: Sara Custódio
authors.initials: SC
authors.lastname: Alves
authors.affiliation: c Centre for Rheumatology, Department of Medicine , University College London , London , UK.
authors.forename: David A
authors.initials: DA
authors.lastname: Isenberg
keywords: Idiopathic inflammatory myopathy; dermatomyositis; inclusion body myositis; polymyositis; treatment