Search Our Scientific Publications & Authors

Dtsch Med Wochenschr 2020 Jul 2;145(13):903-910. Epub 2020 Jul 2.

Myositis is a rare and an extremely heterogeneous autoimmune disease, that causes muscle weakness. Currently, "idiopathic inflammatory myopathies (IIM)" is the preferred umbrella-term used to describe the disease complexity within individuals. IIM include dermatomyositis, polymyositis, inclusion body myositis, autoimmune necrotizing myopathy, overlap myositis and antisynthetase syndrome. Read More

Rheumatol Int 2020 Jun 27. Epub 2020 Jun 27.

German Rheumatism Research Centre, Epidemiology Unit, Charitéplatz 1, 10117, Berlin, Germany.

Objective: To describe trends in outcomes among patients with idiopathic inflammatory myopathies (IIM) over two decades.

Methods: From 1997 to 2017, a total of 1079 IIM patients were documented in the National Database of the German Collaborative Arthritis Centers. Annual cross-sectional data on treatment, disease activity, patient-reported outcomes, hospitalization and employment were compared across the years. Read More

Clin Rheumatol 2020 Jun 22. Epub 2020 Jun 22.

Centre for Rheumatic Diseases, King's College London, London, UK.

Objectives: To estimate the incidence of cardiovascular (CV) events in idiopathic inflammatory myopathy (IIM) compared to patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and the general population. To explore the contribution of traditional CV risk factors to any difference observed.

Methods: A retrospective matched population-based cohort study was conducted using UK Clinical Practice Research Datalink (CPRD) from 1987 to 2013. Read More

Ann Rheum Dis 2020 Jun 16. Epub 2020 Jun 16.

Muscle Disease Unit, Laboratory of Muscle Stem Cells and Gene Regulation, National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases, National Insititutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland, USA

Objectives: Myositis is a heterogeneous family of diseases that includes dermatomyositis (DM), antisynthetase syndrome (AS), immune-mediated necrotising myopathy (IMNM), inclusion body myositis (IBM), polymyositis and overlap myositis. Additional subtypes of myositis can be defined by the presence of myositis-specific autoantibodies (MSAs). The purpose of this study was to define unique gene expression profiles in muscle biopsies from patients with MSA-positive DM, AS and IMNM as well as IBM. Read More

J Nephrol 2020 Jun 11. Epub 2020 Jun 11.

Division of Nephrology, Fondazione Ca' Granda IRCCS Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico Milano, Milano, Italy.

The kidney is frequently involved by autoimmune rheumatic diseases. The renal manifestations may be variable, ranging from asymptomatic proteinuria and microscopic haematuria to nephrotic syndrome and rapidly progressive glomerulonephritis or vasculitis. In a number of cases the kidney involvement is related to the treatment of the original disease and may represent a major cause of morbidity and mortality. Read More

BMC Rheumatol 2020 10;4:25. Epub 2020 Jun 10.

Centre for Epidemiology, Division of Population Health, Health Services Research & Primary Care, Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health, Manchester Academic Health Science Centre, University of Manchester, Manchester, UK.

Background: The idiopathic inflammatory myopathies (IIMs) are heterogeneous autoimmune conditions of skeletal muscle inflammation and weakness. MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are short, non-coding RNA which regulate gene expression of target mRNAs. The aim of this study was to profile miRNA and mRNA in IIM and identify miRNA-mRNA relationships which may be relevant to disease. Read More

PLoS One 2020 11;15(6):e0234523. Epub 2020 Jun 11.

Department of Allergy and Rheumatology, Nippon Medical School Graduate School of Medicine, Tokyo, Japan.

Objective: Surfactant protein D (SP-D) is considered a serum biomarker of various forms of interstitial lung disease (ILD). In this study, we examined the utility of SP-D as a predictive biomarker for mortality in patients with ILD associated with polymyositis/dermatomyositis (PM/DM) using large-scale multicentre cohort data.

Methods: We enrolled 381 patients with incident PM/DM-associated ILD in a multicentre retrospective cohort based on the availability of serum SP-D at the baseline. Read More

RMD Open 2020 Jun;6(2)

Department of Allergy and Rheumatology, Nippon Medical School Graduate School of Medicine, Tokyo, Japan

Objectives: To investigate whether the onset of polymyositis (PM)/dermatomyositis (DM)-associated interstitial lung disease (ILD) is influenced by season and residence in the context of myositis-specific autoantibodies.

Methods: For patients with PM/DM-associated ILD enrolled in a multicentre cohort, 365 and 481 patients were eligible for seasonal and geographical analysis, respectively, based on the availability of reliable clinical information. The patients were divided into three groups: (1) anti-melanoma differentiation-associated gene 5 (MDA5) antibody-positive patients, (2) anti-aminoacyl tRNA synthetase (anti-ARS) antibody-positive patients and (3) patients negative for those antibodies. Read More

J Clin Rheumatol 2020 Jun 4. Epub 2020 Jun 4.

From the Sackler Faculty of Medicine, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv.

Introduction: Inflammatory myopathies are treated with glucocorticoids and other immunosuppressive medications. Intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIG) is increasingly used for refractory or severe cases; however, the evidence for their effectiveness is limited. We assessed effectiveness and safety of IVIG when used with other immunomodulatory agents in the treatment of inflammatory myopathies. Read More

Cureus 2020 Apr 27;12(4):e7844. Epub 2020 Apr 27.

Medicine, Dow University of Health Sciences, Karachi, PAK.

Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is one of the most common motor neuron diseases (MND), which presents as muscle weakness, atrophy, spasticity, and, in extreme cases, may result in death due to respiratory failure. ALS has been reported with dermatological conditions such as bullous pemphigoid and decreased collagen. Hyperpigmentation usually occurs due to underlying adrenal or metabolic disorder, but no case of hyperpigmentation has been associated with MND. Read More

Adv Exp Med Biol 2020 ;1253:95-104

Humanitas Clinical and Research Center-IRCCS, via Manzoni 56, 20089, Rozzano, Milan, Italy.

Genomic predisposition fails to fully explain the onset of complex diseases, which is well illustrated by the largely incomplete concordance among monozygotic twins. Epigenetic mechanisms, including DNA methylation, chromatin remodeling, and non-coding RNA, are the link between environmental stimuli and disease onset on a permissive genetic background in autoimmune and chronic inflammatory diseases. Autoimmune diseases now include almost 100 conditions and are estimated to cumulatively affect up to 5% of the world population with a healthcare expenditure superior to cancer worldwide. Read More

J Clin Med 2020 May 13;9(5). Epub 2020 May 13.

Muscle Research and Mitochondrial Function Laboratory, CELLEX-IDIBAPS, Faculty of Medicine, University of Barcelona, 08036 Barcelona, Spain.

Sporadic inclusion body myositis (sIBM) is an inflammatory myopathy associated, among others, with mitochondrial dysfunction. Similar molecular features are found in Alzheimer's disease (AD) and Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus (T2DM), underlying potential comorbidity. This study aims to evaluate common clinical and molecular hallmarks among sIBM, AD, and T2DM. Read More

Ultrasound J 2020 May 15;12(1):27. Epub 2020 May 15.

Anaesthesia and Intensive Care, San Matteo Hospital, Viale Golgi 19, Pavia, Italy.

Background: Lung ultrasound is a bedside non-irradiating tool for assessment and monitoring of lung diseases. A lung ultrasound score based on visualized artefacts allows reliable quantification of lung aeration, and is useful to monitor mechanical ventilation setting, fluid resuscitation and antibiotic response in critical care. In the context of interstitial lung diseases associated to connective tissue disorders, lung ultrasound has been integrated to computed tomography for diagnosis and follow-up monitoring of chronic lung disease progression. Read More

Expert Opin Biol Ther 2020 May 13:1-11. Epub 2020 May 13.

Division of Rheumatology, Department of Internal Medicine, Toho University School of Medicine, Tokyo, Japan.

: Rheumatic diseases are inflammatory diseases that damage target organs via multiple subsets of immune cells. Fractalkine (FKN) acts as chemoattractant as well as adhesion molecule. It contributes to the pathogenesis of rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and other rheumatic diseases through multiple mechanisms: the migration of monocytes and cytotoxic effector T cells, the proliferation and activation of fibroblast-like synoviocytes, angiogenesis, and osteoclastogenesis. Read More

Ann Rheum Dis 2020 May 12. Epub 2020 May 12.

Department of Rheumatology, John Hunter Hospital, New Lambton Heights, New South Wales, Australia.

Clin Rheumatol 2020 May 6. Epub 2020 May 6.

Department of Medical ICU, Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Peking Union Medical College and Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Beijing, China.

Objective: The etiologies of acute respiratory failure in patients with systemic rheumatic diseases (SRDs) requiring intensive care remain unknown. This study was undertaken to investigate the etiologies and outcomes.

Methods: A medical records review study was performed of 259 adult SRDs patients with respiratory failure admitted to medical ICU across a 5-year period. Read More

Muscle Nerve 2020 May 5. Epub 2020 May 5.

Division of Exercise Science and Sports Medicine, Department of Human Biology, University of Cape Town, Newlands, South Africa.

Introduction: The mechanism by which weakness develops in idiopathic inflammatory myopathies (IIMs) is still unclear. In this study we investigated the maximum force of single muscle fibers from patients with IIMs.

Methods: Permeabilized single muscle fibers from patients with IIMs and healthy controls were subjected to contractility measurements. Read More

J Rheumatol 2020 May 1. Epub 2020 May 1.

From the Schulich School of Medicine, University of Western Ontario, St. Joseph's Health Care, London, Ontario, Canada; University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada; Canadian Rheumatology Association Research studentship, University of Western Ontario. This funding was supported through the Canadian Rheumatology Association Roche summer studentship. There are no conflicts of interest. IRB was not necessary as this was a systematic literature review. Address correspondence to Dr. Janet Pope MD MPH FRCPC, Division of Rheumatology, St. Joseph's Health Care, 268 Grosvenor St. London ON N6A 4V2,

Objective: Rheumatoid Arthritis and other rheumatic diseases may present with ocular manifestations. The purpose of our work was to determine the prevalence and type of eye involvement in rheumatoid arthritis and other connective tissue diseases through a meta-analysis and literature review.

Methods: A systematic review of the literature was performed using Medline, Web of Science, and the Cochrane library from their inceptions until January 7, 2019. Read More

Int J Mol Sci 2020 Apr 26;21(9). Epub 2020 Apr 26.

Department of Biomedical Sciences and Human Oncology, Unit of Internal Medicine "Guido Baccelli", University of Bari Medical School, 70124 Bari, Italy.

Immune checkpoint inhibitor (ICI)-related inflammatory diseases, including polymyositis (PM) and dermatomyositis (DM), in patients suffering from neoplastic disorders represent a medical challenge. The treatment of these conditions has taken on new urgency due to the successful and broad development of cancer-directed immunological-based therapeutic strategies. While primary and secondary PM/DM phenotypes have been pathophysiologically characterized, a rational, stepwise approach to the treatment of patients with ICI-related disease is lacking. Read More

Reumatologia 2020 28;58(1):4-8. Epub 2020 Feb 28.

Department of Internal Medicine, Connective Tissue Diseases and Geriatrics, Medical University of Gdansk, Gdansk, Poland.

Objectives: Specific systemic autoimmune syndrome characterized by inflammatory myopathy, arthritis or arthralgias, interstitial lung disease (ILD), fever, Raynaud's phenomenon, and mechanic's hands is called antisynthetase syndrome (AS). The aim of this study was to assess the clinical spectrum associated with presence of aminoacyl-transfer RNA synthetase autoantibodies (ASA).

Material And Methods: A total of 305 patients with presence of myositis-specific autoantibodies were identified in the database of immunological tests performed in the Clinical Immunology and Transplantology Unit, Medical University of Gdansk between January 2011 and March 2016. Read More

Ann Transl Med 2020 Mar;8(5):202

Graduate Institute of Biomedical Sciences and School of Medicine, College of Medicine, China Medical University, Taichung.

Background: Studies on the association between polymyositis/dermatomyositis (PM/DM) and acute respiratory failure (ARF) are considerably limited. We investigated whether ARF is associated with PM/DM using a nationwide cohort study.

Methods: We identified 1,374 patients with newly diagnosed PM/DM and 13,740 comparison individuals without PM/DM (non-PM/DM) randomly selected from the general population; frequency matched by age, sex, and index year using the National Health Insurance Research Database; and followed up until the end of 2011 to measure the incidence of ARF. Read More

J Rheumatol 2020 Apr 15. Epub 2020 Apr 15.

From the Division of Rheumatology, Department of Medicine, Mayo Clinic in Rochester, MN; Arthritis Associates and Osteoporosis Center of Colorado Springs, Colorado Springs, Colorado 80920; Department of Health Science Research, Division of Biostatistics, Mayo Clinic in Rochester, Minnesota; University of California at Los Angeles, Los Angeles CA; Division of Rheumatology, Department of Medicine, Beacon Hospital, Sandyford, Dublin 18, Ireland; Department of Neurobiology, Care Science and Society, Division of Physiotherapy, and Department of Medicine, Division of Rheumatology Karolinska Institutet, and Function Area Occupational Therapy and Physical Therapy, Karolinska University Hospital, Solna, Stockholm, Sweden. Address correspondence to Floranne Ernste, MD 200 First Street SW Rochester, MN 55905.Email:

Objective: Patients with dermatomyositis (DM) and polymyositis (PM) have reduced muscle endurance. The aim of this study was to streamline the Functional Index-2 (FI-2) by developing the Functional Index-3 (FI-3) and to evaluate its measurement properties, content and construct validity, intra- and inter-rater reliability.

Methods: A data set of the previously performed and validated FI-2 (n=63) was analyzed for internal redundancy, floor and ceiling effects. Read More

Scand J Rheumatol 2020 Apr 14:1-9. Epub 2020 Apr 14.

Department of Preventive Medicine, College of Medicine, Korea University, Seoul, Republic of Korea.

: Epidemiological studies on inflammatory myopathies (IMs) show widely variable results, and studies on Asians are lacking. Despite emerging interest in the cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk associated with IMs, the prevalence of CVD in IM patients and its impact on mortality remain unclear. We conducted a nationwide, population-based study on the incidence, mortality, and associated major CVD events of IMs in the Republic of Korea over 11 years. Read More

Medicine (Baltimore) 2020 Apr;99(15):e19741

Department of Neurology, Kobe City Medical Center General Hospital, 650-0047, 2-1-1 Minatojima-Minamimachi, Chuou-ku, Kobe, Hyogo.

Introduction: Immune-related adverse events (ir-AEs) are increasingly becoming a concern, as immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) are used more frequently. Herein, we present a case of fulminant cytokine release syndrome (CRS) complicated by dermatomyositis after the combination therapy with ICIs.

Patient Concerns: A 70-year-old male developed dermatomyositis during the course of treatment with two ICIs, nivolumab and ipilimumab. Read More

Eur J Dermatol 2020 Apr 10. Epub 2020 Apr 10.

Department of Dermatology, University Hospital, Tours, UMR Inserm U1253, University of Tours, Tours, France.

Background: Neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio (NLR) is increased and associated with overall survival (OS) in inflammatory diseases including dermatomyositis/polymyositis (DM/PM) and many cancers. The risk of cancer is increased with DM/PM especially in adults > 50 years old.

Objectives: To determine whether high NLR is associated with an increased risk of cancer and OS in DM/PM patients. Read More

Lupus 2020 Jun 11;29(7):776-781. Epub 2020 Apr 11.

Division of Rheumatic Diseases, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, USA.

Background: The coexistence of inflammatory myositis in systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) has not been extensively studied. In this study, we describe the incidence, distinct types of inflammatory myositis, and risk factors for this finding in a cohort of pediatric and adult SLE patients.

Methods: We identified SLE patients with coexisting myositis followed between 2010 and 2019 at two pediatric hospitals and one adult hospital. Read More

Semin Neurol 2020 Jun 6;40(3):342-348. Epub 2020 Apr 6.

Department of Neurology, Dell Medical School, University of Texas, Austin, Texas.

The inflammatory myopathies comprise disorders of immune-mediated muscle injury. The histopathology and clinical features help distinguish them. Juvenile dermatomyositis (JDM) is the most common form of myositis in children and adolescents. Read More

Dermatol Online J 2020 Feb 15;26(2). Epub 2020 Feb 15.

Department of Dermatology, University of California Davis, Sacramento, CA.

Dermatomyositis is an auto-immune inflammatory myopathy that primarily affects the skin and muscle and can be triggered by exposure to various environmental factors. We present a patient with active syphilis infection who developed dermatomyositis and discuss the significance of anti-NXP2 autoantibody positivity. Read More

Muscle Nerve 2020 Jun 11;61(6):783-788. Epub 2020 Apr 11.

School of Medicine, Division of Rheumatology, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, Maryland.

Introduction: The diagnosis of inclusion body myositis (IBM) can be challenging, and its presentation can be confused with other forms of myositis or neuromuscular disorders. In this study we evaluate the ability of quantitative muscle ultrasound to differentiate between IBM and mimicking diseases.

Methods: Patients 50 years of age and older were included from two specialty centers. Read More

Zhonghua Er Ke Za Zhi 2020 Apr;58(4):329-330

Department of Neurology, Anhui Provincial Children's Hospital, Hefei 230051,China.

J Clin Lab Anal 2020 Mar 27:e23307. Epub 2020 Mar 27.

Department of Clinical Laboratory, Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Peking Union Medical College and Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Beijing, China.

Background: Cancer-associated myositis (CAM) has poor prognosis and causes higher mortality. In general, myositis-specific autoantibodies (MSAs) and myositis-associated autoantibodies (MAAs) have been shown to be useful biomarkers for its diagnosis.

Methods: In the present study, focus was given in assessing the presence, prevalence, and diagnostic values of myositis autoantibodies in Chinese patients diagnosed with CAM. Read More

Ann Rheum Dis 2020 Mar 25. Epub 2020 Mar 25.

Exploration fonctionnelle musculaire, Service de physiologie, Hôpitaux Universitaires de Strasbourg, Strasbourg, France.

Curr Mol Med 2020 Mar 25. Epub 2020 Mar 25.

Department of Rheumatism and Immunology, Affiliated Hospital of Qinghai University, Xining 810001. China.

Aims: To investigate the role of Slit2 and Robo1 during the vascular disease of Polymyositis (PM) / dermatomyositis (DM).

Background: PM and DM are non-suppurative inflammatory myopathies that mainly invade the skeletal muscles.

Objective: This study attempted to explore the specific mechanism of Slit2/Robo1 signaling pathway proteins during the vascular disease of PM/DM. Read More

Clin Rheumatol 2020 Mar 24. Epub 2020 Mar 24.

Department of Rheumatology, Nelson R Mandela School of Medicine, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban, South Africa.

Introduction: There are many reports on idiopathic inflammatory myopathies (IIM) but little information from sub-Saharan Africa. We conducted a retrospective study of IIM in a multi-ethnic cohort seen at a single centre in Durban, South Africa.

Method: The study included patients who fulfilled the Bohan and Peter or European League Against Rheumatism/American College of Rheumatology criteria for IIM. Read More

Prog Cardiovasc Dis 2020 Mar 20. Epub 2020 Mar 20.

Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, Internal Medicine Unit, 98122, Italy.

Chronic inflammation represents the cornerstone of the raised cardiovascular (CV) risk in patients with inflammatory rheumatic diseases (IRD). Standardized mortality ratios are increased in these patients compared to the general population, which can be explained by premature mortality associated with early atherosclerotic events. Thus, IRD patients need appropriate CV risk management in view of this CV disease (CVD) burden. Read More

Zhonghua Yi Xue Za Zhi 2020 Mar;100(10):753-756

Department of Rheumatology, Peking University People's Hospital, Beijing 100044, China.

To investigate the clinical and immunological features of cardiac involvement in patients with dermatomyositis (DM). Data of 271 adult patients with DM diagnosed in the Department of Rheumatology and Immunology, Peking University People's Hospital from 2003 to 2018 were collected retrospectively and analyzed statistically. The occurrence of cardiac involvement in DM was 15. Read More

Dtsch Med Wochenschr 2020 Mar 19;145(6):394-398. Epub 2020 Mar 19.

Rheumazentrum Ruhrgebiet, Ruhr-Universität Bochum.

In this case series we present three patients with autoimmune dermatomyositis or polymyositis with rapid-progressive interstitial pulmonary involvement. Despite intensive escalation of the immunosuppressive therapy the patients developed acute respiratory distress syndrome with lethal outcome only a few months after diagnosis. All three patients had increased myositis-specific or myositis-associated antibodies - two patients were detected with anti-melanoma differentiation-associated gene (MDA5) antibodies and the third patient with anti-Ku antibodies. Read More

Mediterr J Rheumatol 2019 Sep 30;30(3):155-161. Epub 2019 Sep 30.

EUROIMMUN AG, Luebeck, Germany.

Myopathies are a rare type of acquired, chronic autoimmune diseases of the skeletal muscles and affect both children and adults. The hallmark symptoms of idiopathic inflammatory myopathies (IIM) are muscle inflammation, proximal muscle weakness and disability, arthritis, cutaneous rashes, calcinosis, ulceration, malignancy and interstitial lung disease (ILD). Subforms of IIM include polymyositis, dermatomyositis, cancer-related myositis and sporadic inclusion body myositis. Read More

Joint Bone Spine 2020 Jul 14;87(4):327-330. Epub 2020 Mar 14.

Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Medicine, Mayo Clinic, Jacksonville, FL, USA.

Objectives: To characterize inpatient prevalence and resource utilization of patients with polymyositis (PM) and dermatomyositis (DM).

Methods: Patients with PM/DM were identified from the Nationwide Inpatient Sample (NIS) database from the year 2005 to 2014 using ICD-9 diagnostic codes. The primary outcome of this study was inpatient prevalence of PM/DM in the United States across the span of 10 years. Read More

Respir Med 2020 Apr - May;165:105920. Epub 2020 Mar 3.

Department of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine, Drum Tower Clinical Medical College of Nanjing Medical University, The Affiliated Drum Tower Hospital of Nanjing University Medical School, 321 Zhongshan Road, 210008, Nanjing, China. Electronic address:

Aim: Interstitial lung disease (ILD) is an extra-muscular manifestation of antisynthetase syndrome (ASS). The aim of this study is to analyze the clinical characteristics of anti-EJ associated ILD in a large cohort of patients.

Methods: Retrospective cohort study of patients with anti-EJ associated ILD. Read More

Front Immunol 2020 21;11:37. Epub 2020 Feb 21.

Department of Laboratory Medicine, The Affiliated Wuxi No.2 People's Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Wuxi, China.

Growing evidence from studies elsewhere have illustrated that microRNAs (miRNAs) play important roles in polymyositis and dermatomyositis (PM/DM). However, little has been reported on their relationship with regenerating islet-derived protein 3-alpha (REG3A) as well as their associative roles in macrophage migration. Therefore, this study sought to establish the association between miR-146a and REG3A as well as investigate their functional roles in macrophage migration and PM/DM pathogenesis. Read More

Mod Rheumatol 2020 Mar 30:1-9. Epub 2020 Mar 30.

Department of Allergy and Respiratory Medicine, Gunma University Graduate School of Medicine, Gunma, Japan.

Anti-melanoma differentiation-associated gene 5 (MDA5) autoantibody-positive and age at onset ≥60 years are poor prognosis factors in polymyositis (PM) and dermatomyositis (DM) associated with interstitial lung disease (ILD) among Japanese patients. However, the influence of age on the clinical features of anti-MDA5 autoantibody-positive patients with DM remains unclear. We retrospectively examined 40 patients with DM and anti-MDA5 autoantibodies according to age. Read More

Cureus 2020 Feb 19;12(2):e7049. Epub 2020 Feb 19.

Child Health, University of Missouri, Columbia, USA.

The understanding of etiology and pathogenesis of idiopathic immune myositis is fast evolving, and so is the classification of myositis subtypes. The diversity in genetics, major histocompatibility complex expressions, immunohistochemical, and specific and associated autoantibodies not only explains the individual variability in response to therapies but also begs for subtype-specific treatments. With the evolution of the new biological therapies, the treatment of idiopathic immune myositis (IIM) has greatly transformed in recent years. Read More

Open Access Rheumatol 2020 20;12:21-28. Epub 2020 Feb 20.

Mallinckrodt Pharmaceuticals, Bedminster, NJ, USA.

Purpose: Repository corticotropin injection (RCI) is indicated for a number of autoimmune-mediated diseases including rheumatoid arthritis (RA), systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), and dermatomyositis (DM)/polymyositis (PM). To better understand the practice patterns and outcomes of RCI in patients with RA, SLE, or DM/PM, we conducted a retrospective medical record analysis.

Patients And Methods: Participating providers selected deidentified medical records of patients meeting the inclusion criteria (age ≥18 years; physician-reported diagnosis of RA, SLE, or DM/PM; initiation of treatment with RCI between 1/1/2011 and 2/15/2016; ≥3 in-office visits with same site/provider). Read More

J Clin Rheumatol 2020 Feb 20. Epub 2020 Feb 20.

From the Universidad de Guadalajara.

Background: Dermatomyositis (DM) and polymyositis (PM) are forms of idiopathic inflammatory myopathies (IIMs), which are associated with the production of autoantibodies that are useful in the diagnosis and prognosis of the disease.

Objective: The aim of this study was to determine the frequency of antinuclear autoantibodies (ANAs), myositis-specific autoantibodies (MSAs), and myositis-associated autoantibodies (MAAs) in 6 Latin American countries.

Methods: Two hundred ten patients with IIM were included in this cross-sectional study from 2014 to 2017: 112 from Mexico, 46 from Colombia, 20 from Peru, 16 from the Dominican Republic, 10 from Argentina, and 6 from Guatemala. Read More

Front Med (Lausanne) 2020 31;7:12. Epub 2020 Jan 31.

Department of Rheumatology, The First Affiliated Hospital, College of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China.

This study aimed at clarifying the prevalence, risk factors, outcome, and outcome-related factors of acute exacerbation of interstitial lung disease (AE-ILD) in patients with idiopathic inflammatory myopathy (IIM). Data of IIM patients who were admitted to the First Affiliated Hospital of Zhejiang University (FAHZJU) from September 2007 to September 2019 were retrospectively collected. And the IIM patients with AE-ILD formed the case group. Read More

Best Pract Res Clin Rheumatol 2020 Feb 15;34(1):101485. Epub 2020 Feb 15.

Dept of Rheumatology and Clinical Immunology, University Medical Centre Utrecht, Utrecht University, the Netherlands. Electronic address:

Targeted therapies using biological disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs (bDMARDs) and small molecule synthetic drugs have revolutionized rheumatological practice. Initially developed for the treatment of immune arthritis (rheumatoid arthritis, psoriatic arthritis, and spondylarthritis), both bDMARDs and small molecule synthetic drugs are now increasingly entering the space of connective tissue disease (CTD) treatment. Recent clinical trial data in systemic sclerosis (SSc) have been particularly encouraging with positive effects on outcomes having been observed with nintedanib preventing the decline of lung function in patients with SSc-related interstitial lung disease. Read More

Ann Rheum Dis 2020 Feb 17. Epub 2020 Feb 17.

Department of Medical Pharmacology and Toxicology, University of Montpellier, Faculty of Medicine, Montpellier, Languedoc-Roussillon, France.

Autoimmun Rev 2020 Apr 14;19(4):102498. Epub 2020 Feb 14.

Neuromuscular and Rare Disease Center, Department of Neuroscience, Mental Health and Sensory Organs (NESMOS), SAPIENZA University, Sant'Andrea Hospital, Rome, Italy.

Myastenia-Inflammatory Myopathy (MG-IM) association has been described in less than 50 cases, as isolated reports or in few case series. In most cases, MG and IM onset occur simultaneously even if the overlapping clinical manifestations could lead to delay the diagnosis in the early stage of disease. In these cases, thymic pathology is present in more than 50% of cases. Read More