[Prognostic factors of dermatomyositis: analysis of 119 cases]

In order to know the prognosis of dermatomyositis, 119 patients with dermatomyositis were investigated from June to September 1995 by Shanghai Medical Cooperation Center on Dermatomyositis. Ten prognostic factors were studied with Lifereg Procedure multiple factor analysis. The results showed that 2 and 5-year survival rates were 75.3% and 53.2% respectively. The most common cause of death was lung infection and then was malignant tumor. Unfavorable prognostic factors were old age, malignant tumor, interstitial lung disease, dysphagia, cardiac involvement, fever, failure of remission and steroid therapy alone. The survival curve showed that mortality rate was high in the first three years, less between three and seven years and none after seven years. The results showed that dermatomyositis is a disease with poor prognosis. Patients with dermatomyositis can be adversely affected by many factors and should be treated regularly with steroid and immunosuppresive drugs as early as possible.