Topical Sodium Thiosulfate and Fractional Carbon Dioxide Laser in Treating Dermatomyositis Associated Calcinosis
Status:
Completed
Trial end date:
2016-06-01
Target enrollment:
Participant gender:
Summary
Dermatomyositis is an inflammatory muscle disorder that is often associated with many skin
findings. One of the skin findings seen in up to 50% of individuals with juvenile
dermatomyositis, an early onset form of this condition, and up to 20-30% of adult
dermatomyositis patients who have not responded to treatment, is calcinosis, or deposits of
calcium within the skin and muscle tissue. In addition to being cosmetically unappealing,
involvement of deeper tissues with calcinosis may lead to contractures, or shortening of
muscles, which may have a significant impact on functioning and quality of life.
Unfortunately, there is no known effective treatment of dermatomyositis associated
calcinosis. However, recent reports have shown that a medication called sodium thiosulfate
has been effective in treating individuals with calciphylaxis, a condition where calcium is
deposited within blood vessels, and with tumoral calcinosis, a genetic form of calcification,
when receiving this medication by vein. In addition, recent advances in laser technology have
led to the development of methods that may allow topical medications to penetrate deeper
layers of the skin. The investigators have designed a pilot study to evaluate the use of
topical sodium thiosulfate solution in treating superficial calcinosis in individuals with
juvenile and adult dermatomyositis. The investigators will use laser to assist in the
delivery of this medication to areas of calcinosis.