Treatment outcome of calcinosis cutis in autoimmune connective tissue disorders: a series from a tertiary care centre
Abstract
Background: Several pharmacological options are available currently in the management of calcinosis cutis (CC) associated with autoimmune connective tissue disorders (ACTD). However, standard recommendations for the same are lacking. We tried to study the clinical characteristics as well as the treatment response of CC among patients with ACTD to the various pharmacological options utilized at our institution. Methods: The institutional medical records were screened for patients with the diagnosis of CC / calcinosis from August 2014 to April 2017 using Electronic Records System. Clinical data of those patients with ACTD, who have received treatment for CC and completed at least 3 months of follow up in our department, were studied. Summary statistics were used for reporting the demographic and clinical characteristics. Results: Fourteen patients (female: male = 13:1) with underlying ACTD and satisfying the inclusion criteria were included in this study. Dermatomyositis contributed to the majority of patients [78.6% (11)] with CC. Combination of diltiazem [mean dose 188.6 (131.3) mg/day] and pamidronate (mean dose 60mg/month) was used to treat calcinosis in 85.7% (12) patients. All patients completed a median (IQR) duration of 17.5 (12-41.25) months on follow up. Two patients had complete resolution of the lesions. Subjective clinical improvement and no new calcinotic lesions were documented during the follow up visits amongst the other patients. All four patients with CC associated ulcerations had documented resolution of ulcers on follow up. Conclusion: Combination of calcium channel blockers and bisphosphonates served as an effective treatment option among our patients of CC with underlying connective tissue disorder.
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