We don't know what causes JDMS and why some children get it and others do not. Once the immune system is turned on it will damage it's intended enemy, in this situation, the body itself. Many researchers now think the autoimmune reaction may be caused by the immune system's abnormal response to a virus. That is, immune system cells attack an invading virus, but once the virus is gone, the immune system does not realize that it is time to stop the fight and attacks the body's own tissue(s). We now also know that the tendency for the immune system to react in this way is, at least, partially inherited. This is not a simple genetic inheritance, there is usually only one affected person in the entire extended family, but we do think that there are genes or groups of genes which either allow for the autoimmune illness to occur or fail to protect the person from developing it.
JDMS is not contagious. Your child didn't catch it from another child, and nothing you could have done would have prevented your child from developing this disease.
NOTE: Juvenile dermatomyositis (JDMS) affects 3,000 to 5,000 children in the United States. While certain signs and symptoms are common in most children with JDMS, the disease affects different children in different ways. The following information describes the general symptoms of and treatment for JDMS, but it is important for you to discuss your child's particular case with your doctor.
Sunday, March 7, 2010
What causes Juvenile dermatomyositis?
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