Currently, there are a number of therapies which can be used to treat individuals with dermatomyositis: corticosteroids, immunosuppressive agents, intravenous immune globulin (IVIG). Typically, corticosteroids are considered a first-line treatment, whereas IVIG might be second- or even third-line. But researchers sought to understand the benefits of IVIG as a treatment – and whether, given the potential for adverse reactions, it could be utilized as a first-line therapy. Learn more about IVIG. 

According to Pharmacy Times, a research team explored the safety, efficacy, and tolerability of IVIG for dermatomyositis in the Phase 3 ProDERM trial. 95 patients enrolled. Patients had previously used another form of treatment that had been ineffective. Findings from the study, which were also published in the New England Journal of Medicine, include:

• By week 16 of the trial, those who had received IVIG saw more symptom improvement than those receiving the placebo. 
• IVIG was shown to improve symptoms in those with mild, moderate, and severe dermatomyositis, highlighting efficacy across the severity spectrum. 
• Over 75% of patients who received IVIG saw symptom improvement.
• Headache, fever, and nausea were reported as side effects. Additionally, eight individuals who received IVIG also experienced thromboembolism. Thus, researchers suggest that patients receiving IVIG be monitored to avoid any harmful health reactions.

What is Dermatomyositis?

Dermatomyositis is an uncommon inflammatory disease characterized by muscle weakness and a distinctive skin rash. It is considered to be an inflammatory myopathy. While the exact cause is unknown, many people believe heredity and environmental factors may play a role. Others believe that dermatomyositis could be an autoimmune or immune-mediated disease. While it can affect people of all ages and backgrounds, dermatomyositis is more common in women, those of African American descent, and people between ages 50-70. 

Symptoms and characteristics can (but do not always) include:

• General fatigue
• Rough, dry, or scaly skin
• Rashes on the hands (over the knuckles), eyelids, outer thighs, knees, cheeks, nose, and chest
• Muscle fatigue when active
• Scaly scalp and/or hair loss
• Inflamed or swollen areas around fingernails 
• Calcinosis (hard lumps of calcium under the skin)
• Extreme itchiness 
• Proximal muscle weakness
• Muscle tenderness
• Dysphagia (difficulty swallowing)