Polymyositis in a child with thalassemia after hematopoietic stem cell
transplantation: A case report
Abstract
Polymyositis (PM) is a rare neuromuscular phenotype of chronic
graft-versus-host disease (cGVHD). Although glucocorticoids have been
shown to be effective for PM treatment, most people have poor treatment
response and poor prognosis. Herein, we reported a case of thalassemia
in a 6-year-old boy who received allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell
transplantation (HSCT) and consequently developed severe chronic GVHD
complicated with polymyositis. He was then given high-dose
corticosteroid therapy, including tacrolimus, ruxolitnib, and rituximab.
Twenty-three months after transplant, creatine kinase levels return to
normal range, the MRI showed that the original muscle edema signal was
significantly improved. In addition, the patient’s muscle weakness
continued to improve, and his overall condition was good. This report
suggests that glucocorticoids combined with immunosuppressants may be
effective agist polymyositis. Rituximab and ruxolitinib may be a good
choice in treating polymyositis.