EFFICIENCY OF CYCLOSPORINE FOR THE TREATM ENT OF MYOSITIS

Cyclosporin A (CyA) was used in 15 patients with corticosteroid-resist ant myositis (11) and as a first-line drug (4). The criterion for impr ovement was recovery of strenght. Additionally, changes in muscle enzy me values were evaluated. One patient left therapy because of gastric intolerance. Another patient, with severe pulmonary fibrosis, died 6 d ays after initiating therapy. In the other patients a favorable respon se was observed at approximately six weeks (range 3 weeks-3 months). S ignificant decreases in muscle enzyme values were observed. CyA was us eful for treatment of corticosteroid-resistant patients. While it was efficient as a first line drug, the present report does not allow a co mparative evaluation with corticosteroid therapy.