Subcutaneous immunoglobulin for the treatment of calcinosis associated with juvenile dermatomyositis

Abstract

Juvenile dermatomyositis (JDM) is an autoimmune disorder primarily involving the skin and muscles. Calcinosis, a complication of JDM, presents significant treatment challenges and is associated with long-term morbidity. It involves the abnormal deposition of insoluble calcium salts in tissues, including skin, subcutaneous tissue, and muscle. 1,2 Dystrophic calcification occurs at sites of injured tissue in the setting of normal serum calcium and phosphorus levels and occur in association with the underlying disease. 1,2 Currently, there are no widely effective medical therapies for calcinosis, underscoring a significant gap in treatment options. We report on two cases of patients with refractory JDM-associated calcinosis that showed remarkable response to subcutaneous immunoglobulin (SCIG), highlighting a potential therapeutic advancement.