[Polymyositis and dermatomyositis in childhood].

Authors report clinical and laboratory findings, treatment and evolution of six girls and three boys aged between 20 months and 13 years, diagnosed of juvenile polymyositis-dermatomyositis in the last seven years. Presenting symptoms were asthenia and proximal muscle weakness; in 3 cases characteristic skin lesions were associated. All were treated initially with prednisone p.o. (1-2 mg/kg/day) response being favourable in seven. Two patients with chronic evolution were treated with methotrexate and IV bolus of methylprednisolone.