Clinical analysis on juvenile dermatomyositis combined with soft-tissue calcification

Objective To analyze the clinical features of juvenile dermatomyositis (JDM) combined with soft-tissue calcification. Methods Forty-seven patients with JDM combined with soft-tissue calcification (soft-tissue calcification group) were retrospectively analyzed, and they were contrasted with 89 patients with non-calcification (non-calcification group). Results The rates of Gotton signe, muscle contracture and joint dysfunction in soft-tissue calcification group were significantly higher than those in non-calcification group: 87.23% (41/47) vs. 43.82% (39/89) and 68.09% (32/47) vs. 21.35% (19/89), and there were statistical differences (P<0.05). The dosage of glucocorticoid (conversion of prednisone measuring more than 1.5 mg/kg), rate of using immunodepressant, level of creatine kinase in soft-tissue calcification group were significantly lower than those in non-calcification group: 17.02% (8/47) vs. 68.54% (61/89), 25.53% (12/47) vs. 88.76% (79/89), (566.45±240.41) U/L vs. (1 680.12±656.50) U/L, and there were statistical differences (P<0.05). Conclusions The patients with JDM combined with Gotton signe are more prone to soft-tissue calcification. The rate of muscle contracture and joint dysfunction in soft-tissue calcification patients is significantly higher than that in non-calcification patients. For the patients whose creatine kinase are not obviously elevated, they are more prone to soft-tissue calcification. Early active application of glucocorticoid and immunodepressant therapy can reduce or prevent the occurrence or development of late calcium deposition. Key words: Dermatomyositis; Retrospective studies; Solt-tissue calcification