Cyclosporin in juvenile dermatomyositis.

Juvenile dermatomyositis in fourteen children who had not responded fully to steroids and other immunosuppressants and who had had chronic active disease for an average of 3 years was successfully treated with cyclosporin. Twelve patients had serious complications of the disease or of previous treatment. The response to cyclosporin included recovery of muscle strength and function and resolution of complications. It was possible to stop steroids or to reduce the steroid dose, which had previously been difficult, in all fourteen patients. In general, a low dose of cyclosporin (2.5-7.5 mg/kg daily) was sufficient and no serious side-effects were seen.