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Update on Biomarkers of Vasculopathy in Juvenile and Adult Myositis. Curr Rheumatol Rep 2022; 24:227-237. [PMID: 35680774 DOI: 10.1007/s11926-022-01076-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 03/23/2022] [Indexed: 11/03/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE OF REVIEW Although rare, idiopathic inflammatory myopathies (IIM) comprise a heterogeneous group of autoimmune conditions in adults and children. Increasingly, vasculopathy is recognised to be key in the underlying pathophysiology and plays a crucial role in some of the more challenging complications including calcinosis, gastrointestinal involvement and interstitial lung disease. The exciting prospect of development of biomarkers of vasculopathy would enable earlier detection and monitoring of these complications and possible prevention of their potentially devastating consequences. The purpose was to review the current literature on biomarkers of vasculopathy in IIM and offer insight as to the biomarkers most likely to have an impact on clinical care. RECENT FINDINGS Multiple candidate biomarkers have been studied including circulating endothelial cells (CEC), microparticles (MP), soluble adhesion markers (ICAM-1, ICAM-3, VCAM-1), selectin proteins (E-, L-, P-selectin), coagulation factors, angiogenic factors, cytokines (including (IL-6, IL-10, TNF-α, IL-18) and interferon (IFN)-related biomarkers (including IFNα, IFN-β, IFNγ, galectin-9, interferon signature and interferon-related chemokines (MCP-1, IP-10 and MIG). There is a growing body of evidence of the potential role of biomarkers in detecting and monitoring the vasculopathy in IIM, detecting disease activity and predicting disease flares and overall prognosis. Exciting progress has been made in the search for biomarkers of vasculopathy of IIM; however, none of the studies are validated and further research is required.
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Wienke J, Mertens JS, Garcia S, Lim J, Wijngaarde CA, Yeo JG, Meyer A, van den Hoogen LL, Tekstra J, Hoogendijk JE, Otten HG, Fritsch-Stork RDE, de Jager W, Seyger MMB, Thurlings RM, de Jong EMGJ, van der Kooi AJ, van der Pol WL, Arkachaisri T, Radstake TRDJ, van Royen-Kerkhof A, van Wijk F. Biomarker profiles of endothelial activation and dysfunction in rare systemic autoimmune diseases: implications for cardiovascular risk. Rheumatology (Oxford) 2021; 60:785-801. [PMID: 32810267 DOI: 10.1093/rheumatology/keaa270] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/31/2019] [Revised: 03/19/2020] [Indexed: 01/08/2023] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Vasculopathy is an important hallmark of systemic chronic inflammatory connective tissue diseases (CICTD) and is associated with increased cardiovascular risk. We investigated disease-specific biomarker profiles associated with endothelial dysfunction, angiogenic homeostasis and (tissue) inflammation, and their relation to disease activity in rare CICTD. METHODS A total of 38 serum proteins associated with endothelial (dys)function and inflammation were measured by multiplex-immunoassay in treatment-naive patients with localized scleroderma (LoS, 30), eosinophilic fasciitis (EF, 8) or (juvenile) dermatomyositis (34), 119 (follow-up) samples during treatment, and 65 controls. Data were analysed by unsupervised clustering, Spearman correlations, non-parametric t test and ANOVA. RESULTS The systemic CICTD, EF and dermatomyositis, had distinct biomarker profiles, with 'signature' markers galectin-9 (dermatomyositis) and CCL4, CCL18, CXCL9, fetuin, fibronectin, galectin-1 and TSP-1 (EF). In LoS, CCL18, CXCL9 and CXCL10 were subtly increased. Furthermore, dermatomyositis and EF shared upregulation of markers related to interferon (CCL2, CXCL10), endothelial activation (VCAM-1), inhibition of angiogenesis (angiopoietin-2, sVEGFR-1) and inflammation/leucocyte chemo-attraction (CCL19, CXCL13, IL-18, YKL-40), as well as disturbance of the Angiopoietin-Tie receptor system and VEGF-VEGFR system. These profiles were related to disease activity, and largely normalized during treatment. However, a subgroup of CICTD patients showed continued elevation of CXCL10, CXCL13, galectin-9, IL-18, TNFR2, VCAM-1, and/or YKL-40 during clinically inactive disease, possibly indicating subclinical interferon-driven inflammation and/or endothelial dysfunction. CONCLUSION CICTD-specific biomarker profiles revealed an anti-angiogenic, interferon-driven environment during active disease, with incomplete normalization under treatment. This warrants further investigation into monitoring of vascular biomarkers during clinical follow-up, or targeted interventions to minimize cardiovascular risk in the long term.
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Affiliation(s)
- Judith Wienke
- Centre for Translational Immunology, University Medical Centre Utrecht, Utrecht University, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Jorre S Mertens
- Centre for Translational Immunology, University Medical Centre Utrecht, Utrecht University, Utrecht, The Netherlands.,Department of Rheumatology and Clinical Immunology, University Medical Centre Utrecht, Utrecht, The Netherlands.,Department of Dermatology, Radboud University Medical Centre, Nijmegen, Netherlands
| | - Samuel Garcia
- Centre for Translational Immunology, University Medical Centre Utrecht, Utrecht University, Utrecht, The Netherlands.,Department of Rheumatology and Clinical Immunology, University Medical Centre Utrecht, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Johan Lim
- Department of Neurology, Amsterdam University Medical Centre, University of Amsterdam, Neuroscience Institute, Amsterdam, Netherlands
| | - Camiel A Wijngaarde
- Department of Neurology and Neurosurgery, University Medical Centre Utrecht, Utrecht University, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Joo Guan Yeo
- Rheumatology and Immunology Service, Department of Paediatric Subspecialties, KK Women's and Children's Hospital and Duke-NUS Medical School, Duke, NUS, Singapore.,Translational Immunology Institute, SingHealth-Academic Medical Centre, Duke, NUS, Singapore
| | - Alain Meyer
- Service de Physiologie et d'Explorations Fonctionnelles, Centre, de Référence des, Maladies Autoimmunes Rares, Rhumatologie, Institut de Physiologie, Hôpitaux Universitaires de Strasbourg, Université de Strasbourg, France
| | - Lucas L van den Hoogen
- Centre for Translational Immunology, University Medical Centre Utrecht, Utrecht University, Utrecht, The Netherlands.,Department of Rheumatology and Clinical Immunology, University Medical Centre Utrecht, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Janneke Tekstra
- Department of Rheumatology and Clinical Immunology, University Medical Centre Utrecht, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Jessica E Hoogendijk
- Department of Neurology and Neurosurgery, University Medical Centre Utrecht, Utrecht University, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Henny G Otten
- Centre for Translational Immunology, University Medical Centre Utrecht, Utrecht University, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Ruth D E Fritsch-Stork
- Department of Rheumatology and Clinical Immunology, University Medical Centre Utrecht, Utrecht, The Netherlands.,Sigmund Freud Private University, Vienna, Austria, Vienna, Austria.,Medizinische Abteilung Hanusch Krankenhaus und Ludwig Boltzmann Institut für Osteologie, Vienna, Austria
| | - Wilco de Jager
- Centre for Translational Immunology, University Medical Centre Utrecht, Utrecht University, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Marieke M B Seyger
- Department of Dermatology, Radboud University Medical Centre, Nijmegen, Netherlands
| | - Rogier M Thurlings
- Department of Rheumatic Diseases, Radboud University Medical Centre, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
| | - Elke M G J de Jong
- Department of Dermatology, Radboud University Medical Centre, Nijmegen, Netherlands
| | - Anneke J van der Kooi
- Department of Neurology, Amsterdam University Medical Centre, University of Amsterdam, Neuroscience Institute, Amsterdam, Netherlands
| | - W Ludo van der Pol
- Department of Neurology and Neurosurgery, University Medical Centre Utrecht, Utrecht University, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | | | - Thaschawee Arkachaisri
- Rheumatology and Immunology Service, Department of Paediatric Subspecialties, KK Women's and Children's Hospital and Duke-NUS Medical School, Duke, NUS, Singapore
| | - Timothy R D J Radstake
- Centre for Translational Immunology, University Medical Centre Utrecht, Utrecht University, Utrecht, The Netherlands.,Department of Rheumatology and Clinical Immunology, University Medical Centre Utrecht, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Annet van Royen-Kerkhof
- Paediatric Rheumatology and Immunology, University Medical Centre Utrecht, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Femke van Wijk
- Centre for Translational Immunology, University Medical Centre Utrecht, Utrecht University, Utrecht, The Netherlands
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Bonhomme O, André B, Gester F, de Seny D, Moermans C, Struman I, Louis R, Malaise M, Guiot J. Biomarkers in systemic sclerosis-associated interstitial lung disease: review of the literature. Rheumatology (Oxford) 2020; 58:1534-1546. [PMID: 31292645 PMCID: PMC6736409 DOI: 10.1093/rheumatology/kez230] [Citation(s) in RCA: 43] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/05/2019] [Revised: 05/09/2019] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
SSc is a rare disease of unknown origin associated with multiple organ involvement. One of the major complications that drives the mortality of SSc patients is interstitial lung disease. The course of SSc-interstitial lung disease progression has a wide spectrum. Since the treatment is based on aggressive immunosuppression it should not be given to stable or non-progressing disease. The correct identification of disease with high risk of progression remains a challenge for early therapeutic intervention, and biomarkers remain urgently needed. In fact, eight categories of biomarkers have been identified and classified according to the different biological pathways involved. The purpose of this article is to describe the main biomarkers thought to be of interest with clinical value in the diagnosis and prognosis of SSc-interstitial lung disease.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | | | - Ingrid Struman
- Molecular Angiogenesis Laboratory, GIGA R, University of Liege, Liège, Belgium
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Wienke J, Deakin CT, Wedderburn LR, van Wijk F, van Royen-Kerkhof A. Systemic and Tissue Inflammation in Juvenile Dermatomyositis: From Pathogenesis to the Quest for Monitoring Tools. Front Immunol 2018; 9:2951. [PMID: 30619311 PMCID: PMC6305419 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2018.02951] [Citation(s) in RCA: 42] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/28/2018] [Accepted: 11/30/2018] [Indexed: 12/26/2022] Open
Abstract
Juvenile Dermatomyositis (JDM) is a systemic immune-mediated disease of childhood, characterized by muscle weakness, and a typical skin rash. Other organ systems and tissues such as the lungs, heart, and intestines can be involved, but may be under-evaluated. The inflammatory process in JDM is characterized by an interferon signature and infiltration of immune cells such as T cells and plasmacytoid dendritic cells into the affected tissues. Vasculopathy due to loss and dysfunction of endothelial cells as a result of the inflammation is thought to underlie the symptoms in most organs and tissues. JDM is a heterogeneous disease, and several disease phenotypes, each with a varying combination of affected tissues and organs, are linked to the presence of myositis autoantibodies. These autoantibodies have therefore been extensively studied as biomarkers for the disease phenotype and its associated prognosis. Next to identifying the JDM phenotype, monitoring of disease activity and disease-inflicted damage not only in muscle and skin, but also in other organs and tissues, is an important part of clinical follow-up, as these are key determinants for the long-term outcomes of patients. Various monitoring tools are currently available, among which clinical assessment, histopathological investigation of muscle and skin biopsies, and laboratory testing of blood for specific biomarkers. These investigations also give novel insights into the underlying immunological processes that drive inflammation in JDM and suggest a strong link between the interferon signature and vasculopathy. New tools are being developed in the quest for minimally invasive, but sensitive and specific diagnostic methods that correlate well with clinical symptoms or reflect local, low-grade inflammation. In this review we will discuss the types of (extra)muscular tissue inflammation in JDM and their relation to vasculopathic changes, critically assess the available diagnostic methods including myositis autoantibodies and newly identified biomarkers, and reflect on the immunopathogenic implications of identified markers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Judith Wienke
- Laboratory of Translational Immunology, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht, Netherlands
| | - Claire T Deakin
- UCL Great Ormond Street Institute of Child Health, University College London, London, United Kingdom.,NHR Biomedical Research Center at Great Ormond Hospital, London, United Kingdom.,Arthritis Research UK Center for Adolescent Rheumatology, UCL, UCLH and GOSH, London, United Kingdom
| | - Lucy R Wedderburn
- UCL Great Ormond Street Institute of Child Health, University College London, London, United Kingdom.,NHR Biomedical Research Center at Great Ormond Hospital, London, United Kingdom.,Arthritis Research UK Center for Adolescent Rheumatology, UCL, UCLH and GOSH, London, United Kingdom
| | - Femke van Wijk
- Laboratory of Translational Immunology, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht, Netherlands
| | - Annet van Royen-Kerkhof
- Pediatric Rheumatology and Immunology, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht, Netherlands
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Pinal-Fernandez I, Mammen AL. Dermatomyositis etiopathogenesis: a rebel soldier in the muscle. Curr Opin Rheumatol 2018; 30:623-629. [PMID: 30148802 DOI: 10.1097/bor.0000000000000540] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE OF REVIEW The purpose of this article is to review the etiopathogenesis of dermatomyositis, including the predisposing factors, triggers, inflammatory cells, pathways and target antigens associated with dermatomyositis. RECENT FINDINGS During the last few years, we have made considerable progress in unveiling the etiopathogenesis of dermatomyositis. In the first place, we have defined genes within the major histocompatibility complex locus as the greatest genetic risk factor for the disease. Second, we have demonstrated that certain environmental factors, as well as tumors, may trigger certain dermatomyositis subtypes. Moreover, we have established the importance of the interferon pathway in dermatomyositis pathogenesis compared with other myositis subtypes. But probably, the most remarkable advance has been the discovery of multiple autoantibodies that define groups of patients with characteristic clinical features, prognosis and response to treatment. SUMMARY Dermatomyositis cause and pathogenesis have proven to be a complex and fascinating task for the scientific community and the last decade has been full of new findings on how the disease starts and how it causes damage to different organ systems. However, we have still more questions than answers in this topic, answers that will be critical to understanding autoimmunity and finding effective therapies to dermatomyositis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Iago Pinal-Fernandez
- Muscle Disease Unit, Laboratory of Muscle Stem Cells and Gene Regulation, National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda.,Department of Neurology, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
| | - Andrew L Mammen
- Muscle Disease Unit, Laboratory of Muscle Stem Cells and Gene Regulation, National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda.,Department of Neurology, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
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Serum Soluble Vascular Cell Adhesion Molecule-1 Overexpression Is a Disease Marker in Patients with First-Time Diagnosed Antinuclear Antibodies: A Prospective, Observational Pilot Study. BIOMED RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2018; 2018:8286067. [PMID: 29487871 PMCID: PMC5816882 DOI: 10.1155/2018/8286067] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/01/2017] [Revised: 12/22/2017] [Accepted: 01/03/2018] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
Objective Antinuclear antibodies (ANA) serve as screening tests for connective tissue diseases but have low specificity. In this pilot study, we aimed to identify patients with first-time positive ANA and musculoskeletal complaints and correlate serum soluble vascular adhesion molecules as biomarkers. Methods Prospective, observational study with 100 ANA-positive patients, comparing them to age- and gender-matched healthy controls (HC, n = 75), was conducted. Serum levels of soluble intercellular adhesion molecule-1 (sICAM-1), endothelial-leukocyte adhesion molecule-1 (sELAM-1), and vascular cell adhesion molecule-1 (sVCAM-1) were measured. A subgroup of patients with systemic sclerosis (SSc) treated with immunosuppressants was followed over 10 months. Results Patients belonged to three main entities: rheumatoid arthritis (RA, n = 32), collagen diseases (CD, n = 56) also including systemic sclerosis (SSc, n = 11), and other autoimmune diseases (n = 12). sICAM-1 was similar among groups. sELAM-1 was elevated by 1.9-fold in only in SSc. sVCAM-1 was elevated by 3.1-fold in RA and by 3.3-fold in CD and in other autoimmune diseases by 3.4-fold. Seven SSc patients with immunosuppression had a 2.7-fold increased sVCAM-1 at baseline and reached the levels of healthy controls after 5 months, while CRP, ESR, and clinical parameters remained unchanged. Conclusion Our study suggests that sVCAM-1 is a disease marker independent of standard serum parameters in several rheumatic diseases. This study is registered with EU PAS Register number: EUPAS22154.
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Limaye VS, Bonder CS, Sun WY, Lester S, Roberts-Thomson PJ, Blumbergs P. Levels of soluble adhesion molecules and their associations in inflammatory myositis. Int J Rheum Dis 2013; 16:99-101. [DOI: 10.1111/1756-185x.12039] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Wai Y. Sun
- Vascular Biology and Cell Trafficking Laboratory; Human Immunology Centre for Cancer Biology; Adelaide; SA; Australia
| | - Susan Lester
- Rheumatology Department; The Queen Elizabeth Hospital; Woodville South; SA; Australia
| | | | - Peter Blumbergs
- Neuropathology Laboratory; Hanson Institute; Institute of Medical and Veterinary Science; Adelaide; SA; Australia
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Shirafuji T, Hamaguchi H, Higuchi M, Kanda F. Measurement of platelet-derived microparticle levels using an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay in polymyositis and dermatomyositis patients. Muscle Nerve 2009; 39:586-90. [PMID: 19347930 DOI: 10.1002/mus.21311] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/24/2023]
Abstract
Platelet-derived microparticle (PDMP) levels were measured using an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) to elucidate the role of platelet activation in patients with polymyositis or dermatomyositis (PM/DM). PDMP levels in active PM/DM patients (median 13.3 U/ml, interquartile range 9.9-20.7 U/ml, n = 16) and those in patients undergoing treatment (12.1 U/ml, 7.4-16.7 U/ml, n = 12) were significantly higher than in controls (6.5 U/ml, 5.0-8.4 U/ml, n = 26, vs. active, P = 0.0001; vs. treatment, P = 0.004). In a paired sampling study, PDMP decreased significantly after glucocorticoid treatment (P = 0.04). PDMP in the active PM/DM patients correlated significantly with serum C-reactive protein levels (r(s) = 0.67, P = 0.01). These results suggest that platelets may play an important role in the inflammatory process, and that PDMP level could be a useful marker of inflammatory activity in PM/DM patients. Muscle Nerve 39: 586-590, 2009.
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Affiliation(s)
- Toshihiko Shirafuji
- Division of Neurology, Department of Internal Medicine, Kobe University Graduate School of Medicine, 7-5-2 Kusunoki-cho, Chuo-ku, Kobe 650-0017, Japan.
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Productos de activación del complemento (C3a y C5b-9) como marcadores de actividad de la dermatomiositis. Comparación con parámetros bioquímicos tradicionales. ACTAS DERMO-SIFILIOGRAFICAS 2007. [DOI: 10.1016/s0001-7310(07)70093-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
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Campo A, Hausmann G, Martí R, Estrach T, Grau J, Porcel J, Herrero C. Complement Activation Products (C3a and C5b-9) as Markers of Activity of Dermatomyositis. Comparison With Tradicional Laboratory Markers. ACTAS DERMO-SIFILIOGRAFICAS 2007. [DOI: 10.1016/s1578-2190(07)70473-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/19/2022] Open
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Abstract
There have been a number of recent advances in the genetic understanding of photosensitive rheumatic diseases, especially subacute cutaneous lupus erythematosus and dermatomyositis. These advances support the concept that increased numbers of ultraviolet light-induced apoptotic cells in skin lead to a supra-threshold concentration of antigenic peptides. The current genetic data suggest that increased keratinocyte apopotosis can result from increased amounts of TNF-alpha that induce apoptosis due to a ultraviolet light-sensitive TNF promoter polymorphism or to decreased clearance of apototic cells due to polymorphisms associated with decreased serum levels of collectins such as C1q and mannose-binding lectin. These diseases are frequently oligogenic, and other yet to be elucidated genes will, in individual patients, lead to increased numbers of apoptotic cells associated with these cutaneous autoimmune diseases. In the presence of specific MHC class I and II genes, antigen-presenting cells initiate a primary immune response that leads to cutaneous, and likely systemic, autoimmune disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Victoria P Werth
- Department of Dermatology, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19104, USA.
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Abstract
Through the recent efforts of multi-center collaborative study groups, a number of measures have been developed and partially validated to assess disease activity, disease damage, and health-related quality of life in adult and juvenile patients with IIM. Preliminary core set domains and core set measures of activity and damage have also been developed for adult and juvenile patients with myositis. Validated definitions of improvement and disability should be forthcoming in the next few years. These extraordinary developments will enable much-needed standardization in the assessment of the IIM, particularly in therapeutic and other clinical research studies. Despite this substantial progress, there is a need to develop more sensitive measures to assess IIM disease activity and damage, to further validate the existing tools, to define their performance characteristics in various IIM subgroups, to develop improved imaging techniques that are also quantitative, and to validate activation markers as surrogate measures. The ongoing cooperation of multiple specialists with expertise in these disorders, combined with emerging novel technologies, should continue to enhance the assessment of myositis. Improved clinical care and more rapid development of new therapies for patients with myositis will be the ultimate gains realized from these efforts.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lisa G Rider
- National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, NIH 9 Memorial Drive, Room 1W107, MSC 0958 Bethesda, MD 20892, USA.
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Abstract
Important points regarding DM and C-ADM are as follows: C-ADM is a working functional designation for patients having the skin-only and skin-predominant subsets of DM, amyopathic DM, and hypomyopathic DM. C-ADM seems to have approximately 10% the incidence of classic DM in whites and possibly a higher incidence in Asians. Some patients who present with C-ADM, with or without subclinical laboratory abnormalities, can slowly progress to develop symptomatic muscle weakness over a period of years, whereas others go for 10 to 20 years and longer without the appearance of muscle weakness. C-ADM patients are at risk for potentially life-threatening complications of classic DM, such as interstitial lung disease, which may occur in up to 10% of C-ADM patients. This risk seems to be even greater in some ethnic subgroups (e.g., Japanese). C-ADM patients may also be at increased risk for internal malignancy and until further studies are carried out to confirm the statistical significance of this association, all such patients should have a thorough evaluation for internal malignancy, identical to the approach currently used in classic DM patients. Dermatologists are in the best position initially to diagnose C-ADM patients and can contribute greatly to their overall management and quality of life. Ongoing vigilance is required, however, for complications that can arise in C-ADM patients including potentially fatal interstitial lung disease, internal malignancy, delayed onset of muscle weakness from myositis, and complications of systemic drug therapy. Topical therapy with broad-spectrum sunscreens, anti-inflammatories, and antipruritics should be maximized during the initial management of the cutaneous manifestations of either classic DM or C-ADM. Single-agent or combined aminoquinoline antimalarial therapy represents the safest initial form of systemic therapy for DM-specific skin disease occurring in any clinical setting; however, this approach tends to be less effective in general than for cutaneous LE. There is a theoretical rationale for and limited preliminary successful anecdotal experience with the use of anti-TNF-alpha therapy in refractory cases of classic DM and C-ADM. Cautious systematic clinical trials in this area should be considered.
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Affiliation(s)
- Richard D Sontheimer
- Department of Dermatology, University of Iowa College of Medicine/University of Iowa Hospitals & Clinics (UI Health Care), 200 Hawkins Drive, BT2045-1, Iowa City, IA 52242-1090, USA.
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