Increased vascular deposition of oxidized LDL in untreated juvenile dermatomyositis.

Background: Juvenile dermatomyositis (JDM) is a systemic vasculopathy associated with metabolic derangements and possible increased risk for premature atherosclerosis. Oxidation of low-density lipoprotein (LDL) in the endothelium is an early step in atherosclerotic plaque formation. It is not known if oxidized LDL is altered in children with untreated JDM.