Advancements in the Treatment of Cutaneous Lupus Erythematosus and Dermatomyositis: A Review of the Literature

Background

Cutaneous lupus erythematosus (CLE) and dermatomyositis (DM) are autoimmune diseases that present with a wide variety of cutaneous manifestations. In both cases, first-line therapy includes topical corticosteroids. Patients may present with more widespread disease requiring systemic treatments, including corticosteroids, traditional immunosuppressants, or antimalarials. Due to their complex nature, both CLE and DM remain difficult to treat and continue to cause significant distress to patients.

Objective

To summarize the most recent literature on the safety and efficacy of novel treatment modalities for CLE and DM.

Methods

A literature search was conducted on PubMed using search terms “(dermatomyositis) AND (treatment)” and “(cutaneous lupus) AND (treatment)”. Additional search terms included specific names of biologic agents, phosphodiesterase inhibitors (apremilast), and JAK inhibitors.

Results

JAK inhibitors, PDE-4 inhibitors, and biologics have shown promise in reducing cutaneous symptoms of both CLE and DM, including reduction in SLE Disease Activity Index 2000 (SLEDAI-2K), Cutaneous Lupus Erythematosus Disease Area and Severity Index (CLASI), British Isles Lupus Assessment Group (BILAG), Cutaneous Dermatomyositis Disease Area and Severity Index (CDASI), and Disease Activity Score (DAS).

Conclusion

While there have been recent advancements in the treatment for CLE and DM, further research and clinical trials are required to better elucidate which therapy is best for individual patients.

Emerging Therapeutics in the Management of Connective Tissue Disease. Part II. Dermatomyositis and Scleroderma

The management of connective tissue diseases is dramatically evolving with the advent of biologics and novel oral systemic therapeutics. Despite involvement in the care of these complex patients, there is a knowledge gap in the field of dermatology regarding these emerging agents. The second article in this continuing medical education series discusses new and emerging therapeutics for dermatomyositis and scleroderma that target cells, intracellular signaling pathways, and cytokines.

The effects of infliximab in treating idiopathic inflammatory myopathies: A review article

Anti-TNF treatment may be useful for patients with idiopathic inflammatory myopathies (IIMs). The purpose of this study is to assess the efficacy of infliximab (IFX) in the management of IIMs. Two databases (ie, PubMed and China National Knowledge Infrastructure) were searched up to Nov 2020 for studies investigating skin lesions and muscular weakness in patients with IIMs treated with IFX. A total of 18 studies were included. One hundred and eighteen patients were identified, including 58 adult patients and 60 patients with juvenile dermatomyositis (JDM) treated with IFX. Among these patients, 110 (93%) patients with refractory cases. In addition to glucocorticoids, patients from 15/18 studies received immunosuppressant agents (ISAs) concomitantly with IFX, among which methotrexate (MTX) was most common. After treatment with IFX, skin lesions and muscle strength were improved in 67% of patients with DM and 75% of patients with JDM, respectively. Skin calcinosis was improved in 21/34 (62%) of patients with JDM. Only 55% (12/22) of patients with polymyositis exhibited improvements in muscle strength. Lastly, 40% (42/104) of patients reported adverse events. Current evidence appears to support the use of IFX in some patients with refractory IIMs, especially those with JDM. The most common adverse reaction was infection. Large, randomized-controlled studies should be carried out to confirm these findings.