Best Juvenile Dermatomyositis Doctors in Chennai

Juvenile Dermatomyositis (JDM) is an uncommon autoimmune inflammatory disease, often affecting children under the age of 18. It primarily impacts the skin and muscles, resulting in inflammation and damage due to the body's immune system mistakenly attacking its own tissues. The exact cause of JDM remains a mystery, although it is thought to be a combination of an autoimmune response, genetic influences, and environmental factors.

In Chennai, doctors specializing in juvenile dermatomyositis and pediatric dermatomyositis remain vigilant and prepared to offer comprehensive care. Apollo Hospitals in Chennai is equipped with cutting-edge facilities and expert professionals, ready to provide assistance for juvenile dermatomyositis.

Types/Stages of Juvenile Dermatomyositis

Juvenile Dermatomyositis does not have distinct types or stages. However, the disease can manifest in different ways depending on the individual child's immune response and the severity of the symptoms.

Symptoms of Juvenile Dermatomyositis

The manifestation of Juvenile Dermatomyositis generally involves a unique combination of symptoms:

• A characteristic skin rash, such as a heliotrope rash on the eyelids or a Gottron's rash on knuckles, elbows, and knees.

• Symmetrical muscular weakness near the body trunk.

• Calcinosis leading to hardened calcium deposits in the skin and muscles.

• Gastrointestinal issues like abdominal pain, constipation, and gastrointestinal bleeding.

• General discomfort including fatigue, fever, and unexplained weight loss.

Tests to Diagnose Juvenile Dermatomyositis

Diagnosing JDM involves a series of tests performed by doctors for childhood dermatomyositis treatment to assess muscle weakness and identify skin changes:

• Physical examination: This is the initial step where the doctor checks for muscle weakness and skin changes.

• Blood tests: These are conducted to measure muscle enzymes like creatine kinase, aldolase, and lactate dehydrogenase that indicate muscle inflammation.

• Autoantibody testing: This helps identify myositis-specific and myositis-associated antibodies in the blood.

• Imaging: MRI scans can be utilised to evaluate muscle inflammation.

• Muscle biopsy: In some cases, a small sample of muscle tissue may be taken for examination to confirm the diagnosis.

Treatment Options for Juvenile Dermatomyositis at Apollo Hospitals, Chennai

Treatment depends on the severity and extent of the disease. At Apollo Hospitals in Chennai, juvenile dermatomyositis treatment doctors may employ the following strategies:

• High-dose Intravenous Corticosteroids: This is usually the first line of treatment to control inflammation.

• Oral corticosteroids and Steroid-sparing immunosuppressant drugs: Medications like methotrexate or mycophenolate mofetil are used to suppress the immune system.

• Physical Therapy: This helps maintain muscle strength and function and aids mobility.

• Sun protection and Vitamin D supplementation: These are necessary due to photosensitivity associated with JDM.

• Biologic therapies: For cases that do not respond adequately to other treatments, biologic therapies like rituximab may be considered.