[Dermatomyositis in pediatrics].

The study included 19 children with dermatomyositis. All showed frequently atypical cutaneous disords which in most cases were the initial manifestation. In every case there was some clinical evidence of proximal myopathy. Arthralgias were frequently found and sinusal tachycardia was present in 10 cases. The correct diagnosis was made from the beginning only in 6 cases. Systemic lupus erythematosus was the main cause of confusion. The differential diagnosis between these two entities cannot be made only by the presence or not of nephropathy, even if this disease was evident in 42% of patients with dermatomyositis. The most useful laboratory tests for the diagnosis and management were CPK, aldose and serum TGO. Electromyography was abnormal in every case where it was practiced. Muscular biopsy was valuable in 15 of the 19 patients. All were treated with prednisone and in most cases with good results.