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COMMENTS AND OPINIONS
Intravenous Immunoglobulin Therapy for Dystrophic Calcinosis Cutis: Unreliable in Our Hands
Andrew H. Kalajian, MD;
Jennifer H. Perryman, MD;
Jeffrey P. Callen, MD
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We read with interest the recent report, "Response of Dystrophic Calcification to Intravenous Immunoglobulin," by Schanz et al1 detailing the response to intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIg) of 1 patient with CREST syndrome–associated dystrophic calcification (CREST syndrome includes calcinosis cutis, Raynaud phenomenon, esophageal dysmotility, sclerodactyly, and telangiectasia). Because the more traditional medical therapies, including warfarin, diltiazem hydrochloride, probenecid, colchicine, and bisphosphonates, are seldom reliable, newer safe and effective therapies are sought.2 Unfortunately, while the success reported by Schanz et al is encouraging, we have experienced less success with IVIg therapy for dermatomyositis-associated dystrophic calcification.
Report of Cases
We describe 2 patients with dermatomyositis, both experiencing chronic, extensive, and progressive dystrophic calcification (Figure) despite nearly 5 years of therapy with IVIg, 2g/kg/mo, in divided doses. Concurrent therapies included diltiazem hydrochloride, 240 mg, and hydroxychloroquine sulfate, 200 mg, orally twice daily as well . . . [Full Text of this Article]
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RELATED LETTER
Intravenous Immunoglobulin Therapy for Dystrophic Calcinosis Cutis: Unreliable in Our Hands—Reply
Stefan Schanz, Anja Ulmer, and Gerhard Fierlbeck
Arch Dermatol. 2009;145(3):335.
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