Overview of juvenile dermatomyositis

Juvenile dermatomyositis (JDM) is a rare autoimmune condition characterised by muscle inflammation (myositis) occurring in association with a cutaneous eruption. JDM is the most common inflammatory myopathy in children and adolescents. Dermatomyositis in adults differs from the juvenile disease; see the separate topic for more detailed information.

The clinical course is variable. Some children have a monophasic illness; others (approximately 40 to 60%Bellutti Enders, 2017) experience a relapsing pattern, which increases the potential for morbidity from both the disease and its therapy.

Unlike the adult disease, JDM is not associated with a higher risk of developing malignancy.