Assessment of traditional and non-traditional risk factors for premature atherosclerosis in children with juvenile dermatomyositis and pediatric controls.

Background: Children with juvenile dermatomyositis (JDM), the most common inflammatory myopathy of childhood, may be at increased risk of premature atherosclerosis given a host of traditional and non-traditional risk factors. The primary aim of this study was to determine the underlying frequency of premature atherosclerosis in children with JDM compared to pediatric controls using flow-mediated dilation as a measure of endothelial function.

Methods: Children and adolescents with and without JDM were evaluated for traditional atherosclerotic risk factors and assessment of endothelial function, using Endothelial Pulse Amplitude Testing (Endo-PAT).