When can a patient suffering from dermatomyositis expect their CPK levels to become normal?

Question

Hello doctor,

My daughter has been suffering from dermatomyositis for one year, which was identified with the help of a blood test and creatinine phosphokinase test. The treatment started, and she was examined after a month, and this time her creatinine phosphokinase (CPK) level was 10413 units per liter. After that, my daughter was shifted to another hospital and was given 160 grams of intravenous immune globulin (IVIG). Her weight is 80 kgs. After a month of IVIG, the doctor prescribed the tablet Wysolone 60 mg, tablet Shelcal HD, and tablet Pantop 40 mg. After a month, they prescribed a tablet Azathioprine 50 mg and asked her to take one tablet in the morning and at night. Her current CPK level is 432 units per liter. She is taking tablets Wysolone 12.5 mg, Azathioprine 50 mg, Pantop 40 mg, and Shellcal HD. Please guide about CPK Levels and remission.

Answer 1

Hello.

Welcome to icliniq.com.

From the reports attached (attachment removed to protect the patient's identity), I can see that her creatinine phosphokinase (CPK) level has improved and is almost normal. This is mainly due to high-dose Prednisone and IVIG (intravenous immune globulin). Her current dose of Azathioprine is lower than what she should take. I suggest taking three tablets daily so she can stop the tablet Wyosolone (Prednisolone 10 mg) and control her disease.

Answer 2

Hello,

Welcome back to icliniq.com.

It is a very common scenario everywhere. Usually, it takes time for creatinine phosphokinase (CPK) levels to normalize, and it differs from one patient to other. It might take up to four months to normalize. There are a lot of medicines that can be given, including intravenous immune globulin (IVIG) and Azathioprine. It always depends on the case.