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Corticosteroids in Myositis and Scleroderma. Rheumatic diseases clinics of North America Postolova, A., Chen, J. K., Chung, L. 2016; 42 (1): 103-118

Abstract

Idiopathic inflammatory myopathies (IIMs) involve inflammation of the muscles and are classified by the patterns of presentation and immunohistopathologic features on skin and muscle biopsy into 4 categories: dermatomyositis, polymyositis, inclusion body myositis, and immune-mediated necrotizing myopathy. Systemic corticosteroid (CS) treatment is the standard of care for IIM with muscle and organ involvement. The extracutaneous features of systemic sclerosis are frequently treated with CS; however, high doses have been associated with scleroderma renal crisis in high-risk patients. Although CS can be effective first-line agents, their significant side effect profile encourages concomitant treatment with other immunosuppressive medications to enable timely tapering.

View details for DOI 10.1016/j.rdc.2015.08.011

View details for PubMedID 26611554