Subcutaneous immunoglobulin therapy shortens corticosteroid use in children with dermatomyositis: A case report

Abstract

Dermatomyositis (DM) is a rare autoimmune disease characterized by symmetric proximal muscle weakness and skin rashes. Corticosteroids and methotrexate are mainly prescribed to treat dermatomyositis based on the consensus of experts. Intravenous immunoglobulin is used in severe cases to reduce the dose and duration of corticosteroid therapy, the number of flare-up periods, thereby reducing complications and sequelae. Subcutaneous immunoglobulin has advantages over intravenous immunoglobulin because it can be used at home and maintains stable blood gammaglobulin levels. We report a case of a 2-years old child with early-onset dermatomyositis treated with subcutaneous immunoglobulin. The child’s condition improved, and corticosteroids were discontinued after 18 months of treatment. We prove that subcutaneous immunoglobulin therapy can shorten the duration of corticosteroid therapy in children with dermatomyositis.