[Plasma separation in severe juvenile dermatomyositis].

Because a seven year old boy with severe dermatomyositis failed to respond to a six week treatment course with prednisone (60 mg/m2) and azathioprine (2 mg/kg/d), five plasma separations were performed. Already after the second plasma separation an impressive reduction of skin ulcerations and an increase of muscle strength were noticed. So far there has been no relapse in spite of rapid reduction in the prednisone dosage.