Abstract
Objective
To investigate the clinical characteristics of pediatric systemic lupus erythematosus complicated by myositis.
Methods
A retrospective analysis was conducted on the clinical data of six patients with SLE-associated myositis, examining manifestations of multisystem involvement, muscle injury markers, and autoantibody profiles.
Results
Among the six patients, five were female and one male, with a median age of 12 years. All patients presented with myalgia and/or muscle weakness. Physical examination revealed muscle weakness (grade 2–4) in all six children, with bilateral lower limb myalgia in 4. Laboratory findings showed elevated creatine phosphokinase levels ranging from 217 to 3317 U·L-1 in four patients. All patients also exhibited elevated lactate dehydrogenase levels, ranging from 293 to 949 U/L. After treatment, clinical symptoms resolved in all patients, with the majority achieving stable conditions. Only one case experienced recurrence due to inappropriate drug tapering, which resolved following readmission and intensive treatment.
Conclusion
Myositis is not a common feature of SLE. Patients with SLE complicated by myositis should complete relevant investigations at the earliest opportunity. Early diagnosis and stratified individualized treatment can effectively control the disease.
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