Anti-nuclear matrix protein 2+ juvenile dermatomyositis with severe skin ulcer and infection: A case report and literature review

BACKGROUND: Juvenile dermatomyositis (JDM) is an idiopathic inflammatory myopathy that occurs in childhood. It is characterized by muscle weakness and a characteristic rash. Previous literature reports have rarely described JDM with severe skin ulcers and infections. CASE SUMMARY: Herein, we describe a case of a 2-year-old female patient who suffered from JDM, whose myositis-specific autoantibodies were positive for anti-nuclear matrix protein 2 antibody, with progressively worsening skin ulcers and severe infections. The patient was treated with glucocorticoids and various immunosuppressants. Nevertheless, further progression of the disease and the combination of primary disease and severe infection in the later period were fatal. CONCLUSION: In children, anti-nuclear matrix protein 2+ JDM combined with skin ulcers often indicates severe disease. In such cases, personalized treatment for the primary disease and infection prevention and control are essential.