The purpose of this study was to identify demographic and clinical characteristics, onset season, and interval between disease index date and diagnosis/therapy in 80 children with new onset juvenile dermatomyositis(JDMS) and to evaluate the relationship of socioeconomic status to these factors. Families of JDMS children in a cohort, within 6 months of diagnosis, who met criteria, had a strctured interview. All the children had rash (100%) and proximal muscle weakness (100%); 59 (74%) had muscle pain; 52 (65%) fever; 36 (45%) dysphagia; 35 (44%) hoarseness; 30 (38%); abdominal pain; 29 (36%) arthritis; 18 (23%) calcinosis, and 11 (14%) melena. Muscle derived enzymes were normal in 10% of children; 18% had a normal EMG and muscle biopsy was normal or nondiagnositic in 19%. Median time from disease index date to diagnosis was different between racial groups: Caucasians (n=59)--2.0 months; for minorities (n=21)--7.0 months, (p=.0007). The median time from disease index date to therapy initiation was also different between racial groups: for Caucasians, 3.0 months, and for minorities, 7.4 months, (p=.0009). 94% of the children took steroids and 7% received methotrexate at the time of interview. For JDMS with disease index dates in Summer (41%, n=33), rash preceded muscle weakness in 80% (n=27). Conclusion: The increased occurrence of the JDMS rash in Summer suggests that the sun is a factor in disease pathogenesis. Minority children have a longer time interval between diagnosis and initiation of therapy.
Supported by a Clinical Science Grant from The Arthritis Foundation.
Author information
Authors and Affiliations
Rights and permissions
About this article
Cite this article
Pachman, L., Hayford, J., Chung, A. et al. Juvenile Dermatomyositis at Onset: Demographics, Clinical Characteristics, and Access to Care. ♦ 1844. Pediatr Res 41 (Suppl 4), 310 (1997). https://doi.org/10.1203/00006450-199704001-01863
Issue Date:
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1203/00006450-199704001-01863