The Spanish Society of Rheumatology launches a video on juvenile dermatomyositis as part of the campaign ‘Ponle Nombre al Reuma’
The Spanish Society of Rheumatology (SER) presents a new video on juvenile dermatomyositis. This is framed in awareness campaign’Name the rheumatism’, with the collaboration of the National Association of Juvenile Dermatomyositis (ANADEJU).
The term inflammatory myopathies encompasses a group of diseases whose main characteristic is chronic (long-standing) muscle inflammation, muscle weakness and pain. They are rare and sometimes highly complex systemic autoimmune diseases. Among them is the dermatomyositis that mainly affects the skin and muscle tissue of the striated type. Its manifestations are more frequent between 30 and 50 years. However, there is also a juvenile form, which requires greater social awareness.
One of the key ideas is to remember that it is essential that those affected exercise to improve strength and flexibility. This is stated by Enrique Calvo, rheumatologist at the Infanta Leonor University Hospital (Madrid).
Follow-up of juvenile dermatomyositis
“Follow-up by the rheumatologist is essential to monitor the evolution of the disease,” adds Calvo. In this sense, other specialists can be involved (dermatologists, ophthalmologists, cardiologists, gastroenterologists, psychologists…) to try to achieve the best possible prognosis thanks to multidisciplinary management. In addition, the expert affects the support that patient associations can provide.
The most characteristic symptoms of dermatomyositis are skin rashes (on the face, eyelids, knuckles, knees or elbows), as well as muscle pain or weakness (especially in the neck, shoulders and hips). Its cause is unknown.
Also, in the case of juvenile dermatomyositis, the disease is highly variable. There is a spectrum that ranges from mild forms (with hardly any impact on the child’s daily life) to very serious and disabling forms.
