Successfully Treatment of Dermatomyositis with high-dose Intravenous Immunoglobulin Therapy

Author(s): Vanessa Müller, Julia K. Winkler, Alexander H. Enk

We report on three patients with severe dermatomyositis and varying clinical symptoms who draw significant benefit from treatment with high- dose intravenous immunoglobulins (IVIgs). Modern IVIg products demonstrate high therapeutic efficacy at a good tolerability. The safety profile is favorable in particular with regard to a lower risk for thromboembolic events. Challenges in the treatment of dermatomyositis include severe myositis with calcinosis cutis and paraneoplastic occurrence. All three patients achieved significant relief from muscle and skin-related dermatomyositis symptoms under IVIg treatment at a dose of 2g/kg body weight every four weeks. Hence, our case series supports the role of IVIg as a favorable therapeutic option in patients with severe dermatomyositis, including those not responding or not suitable for conventional immunosuppressive strategies.