Dermatomyositis
Treatment:
The disease is treated with corticosteroid medications and physical therapy. When an improvement of muscle strength is achieved, the medication is slowly tapered. Maintenance therapy with prednisone is usually continued indefinitely. In people who fail to respond to corticosteroids, medications to suppress the immune system may be required.
If the condition is associated with a tumor, the condition may improve if the tumor is removed.
Childhood dermatomyositis is not associated with malignancy.
Expectations (prognosis):
Remissions and recovery have been reported, especially in children. In adults, death may result from severe and prolonged muscle weakness, malnutrition, pneumonia, or respiratory failure. The outcome is usually worse if cardiac or pulmonary involvement is present.
Complications:
Calling your health care provider:
Call for an appointment with your health care provider if you experience the signs and symptoms of dermatomyositis.
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