Rapamycin (sirolimus) as a steroid-sparing agent in dermatomyositis.

Dermatomyositis is an autoimmune condition that results in significant morbidity and mortality through effects on muscle and skin. Corticosteroids are the mainstay of therapy of dermatomyositis, and severe morbidity and mortality occurs in part through the known long-term side effects of chronic steroid use. In addition, dermatomyositis is commonly associated with underlying malignancy, and high-dose steroids may adversely impair treatment of these malignancies. We describe the first use of rapamycin in a young patient with dermatomyositis.