Tofacitinib as a Treatment for Refractory Dermatomyositis: A Case Report

Abstract

In very scarce case reports and case series, tofacitinib has been a therapeutic alternative for dermatomyositis. To corroborate the literature, we described a refractory dermatomyositis that had a good outcome with tofacitinib. Case Report: An adult female patient presented with definite dermatomyositis and with refractoriness to high doses of intravenous and oral glucocorticoids, intravenous human immunoglobulin, several immunosuppressive drugs (methotrexate, azathioprine, and leflunomide) and two previous immunobiological drugs (rituximab and abatacept). However, the patient had a good outcome with tofacitinib. Conclusions: Tofacitinib appears to be a promising alternative therapy for refractory dermatomyositis.

Up-to-date treatment and management of myositis

“…Glucocorticoids were also reported as being successfully tapered in three patients. On the same line, a case report described an adult female with highly refractory cutaneous dermatomyositis who significantly improved about 1 month after starting tofacitinib, whereas prednisone could be discontinued within 2 months [14]. Finally, in two other patients (one anti-Mi2 and one anti-MDA5 positive), tofacitinib led to regression of skin calcifications that had proved recalcitrant to previous treatments [15].…”