Actuality of juvenile dermatomyositis

Juvenile dermatomyositis is a rare disorder, but remains the most commonly occurring chronic inflammatory myopathy among children. Other than the proximal muscles and skin, which are routinely affected, vasculopathy may affect other viscera and can be multisystemic. A redefinition of the diagnostic criteria is currently underway and is likely to lead to other clinical signs and to sensitive and non-invasive examinations such as MRI. The impact of juvenile dermatomyositis on health and quality of life remains significant despite systemic corticosteroid therapy and immunosuppressor treatment, which have considerably improved the prognosis. Numerous predictors for favourable and pejorative evolution have been identified. The standardisation and the generalisation of clinical assessment tools will make it possible to carry out the clinical trials required to determine the relevance of the new therapeutic options available for children.