C-reactive protein in childhood dermatomyositis.

Serum levels of C-reactive protein (CRP) were determined in 9 patients with childhood dermatomyositis. Four children were seen during clinical relapse and all had serum CRP levels less than 1 mg/l. In addition direct immunofluorescent staining of muscle biopsies from 4 patients showed no evidence of CRP deposition in muscle tissue. Such patients appear to be able to produce CRP in response to acute infections, and it is suggested therefore that the pathological process in childhood dermatomyositis may not induce a significant CRP response.