paring methotrexate and cyclosporine, methotrexate was more
effective controlling the muscle disease but cyclosporine was
better in the treatment of associated interstitial lung disease.84
Several case reports of dermatomyositis with interstitial lung
disease responding to cyclosporine and steroids can be found
in the literature.85 Cyclosporine is also useful when there is
esophageal involvement,86 showing better results than other
immunosuppressive agents.84 In dermatomyositis sine myositis,
cyclosporine can be useful, and there are cases showing good
results.80,85 Amyopathic dermatomyositis is often associated to
lung disease, including interstitial pneumonia, pneumomediastinum,
and pulmonary fibrosis; cyclosporine is recommended due
to its favorable effects in the lung and the speed of action.87
The optimal dose of cyclosporine is between 1.8 mg/kg/day and
3.5 mg/kg/day combined with prednisone 1 mg/kg/day gradually
tapered.81,82
Thus, cyclosporine can be used in dermatomyositis as a
second line treatment as a steroid-sparing agent and is especially
useful in patients with interstitial lung disease or
esophageal involvement.
Other Diseases
There are many other skin diseases for which cyclosporine is a good treatment option (Table 1).88-132 Most of these are series of cases and reviews of the literature (evidence III). There is an
There are many other skin diseases for which cyclosporine is a good treatment option (Table 1).88-132 Most of these are series of cases and reviews of the literature (evidence III). There is an
