Pulmonary Disease in Dermatomyositis and Its Treatment

Recent studies show benefits with carbon monoxide diffusion testing and mycophenolate mofetil therapy.

Interstitial lung disease (ILD) has been associated with inflammatory myopathy, particularly in Japanese patients; however, its prevalence in dermatomyositis (DM) patients in the U.S. has been debated. Because ILD can be associated with poor DM prognosis, lung-directed therapy is important. Authors of two recent case series detail their experience with ILD in their patients overall and in a subset treated with mycophenolate mofetil (MMF).

The retrospective cohort study involved 91 patients with dermatomyositis, 71 of whom had pulmonary function tests, including carbon monoxide diffusion (DLCO) tests or high-resolution computed tomography (CT) scans. Of these 71 patients, 35 had skin-predominant disease, and 36 had classic DM; ILD prevalence …

Reviewing Author

Jeffrey P. Callen, MD

Disclosures

Consultant / Advisory board XOMA; Eli Lilly; Celgene

Equity Various trust accounts

Editorial boards JAMA Dermatology; UpToDate

Leadership positions in professional societies Association of Professors of Dermatology (President-Elect)

Jeffrey P. Callen, MD

Disclosures

Consultant / Advisory board XOMA; Eli Lilly; Celgene

Equity Various trust accounts

Editorial boards JAMA Dermatology; UpToDate

Leadership positions in professional societies Association of Professors of Dermatology (President-Elect)