Disease spectrum of myopathies with elevated aldolase and normal creatine kinase

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE

Elevation of serum creatine kinase (CK) or hyperCKemia is considered a biological marker of myopathies. However, selective elevation of serum aldolase with normal CK has been reported in a few myopathies, including dermatomyositis, immune-mediated myopathy with perimysial pathology and fasciitis with associated myopathy. The aim was to investigate the disease spectrum of myopathies with isolated aldolase elevation.

METHODS

Medical records were reviewed to identify patients >18 years old seen between December 1994 and June 2020 who had pathologically proven myopathies with elevated aldolase and normal CK level. Patients with alternative causes of aldolase elevation were excluded.

RESULTS

Thirty-four patients with various types of myopathies were identified. Myopathies were treatable in 27 patients. The three most common etiologies were dermatomyositis (n = 8), overlap myositis (n = 4) and nonspecific myopathy (n = 4). Perimysial pathology comprising inflammation, fragmentation, vasculitis, calcified perimysial vessels or extracellular amyloid deposition was found in 17/34 patients (50%). Eight dermatomyositis patients with selective elevated aldolase were compared to 24 sex- and age-matched patients with dermatomyositis and hyperCKemia. Dermatomyositis patients with normal CK significantly (p < 0.05) had less frequent cutaneous involvement (50.0% vs. 100.0%) and fibrillation potentials (50.0% vs. 90.5%) but higher median erythrocyte sedimentation rate (33.5 vs. 13.5 mm/h) and more common perifascicular mitochondrial pathology (37.5% vs. 4.2%).

CONCLUSION

Isolated aldolase elevation can be found in a greater variety of myopathies than initially thought and most were treatable. Dermatomyositis is the most common myopathy with selective elevation of aldolase in our cohort, which features some unique characteristics compared to dermatomyositis with hyperCKemia.

Collaborative research in myositis-related disorders: MIHRA, a global shared community model

Myositis International Health and Research Collaborative Alliance (MIHRA) is a newly formed purpose-built non-profit charitable research organization dedicated to accelerating international clinical trial readiness, global professional and lay education, career development and rare disease advocacy in IIM-related disorders. In its long form, the name expresses the community's scope of engagement and intent. In its abbreviation, MIHRA, conveys linguistic roots across many languages, that reflects the IIM community's spirit with meanings such as kindness, community, goodness, and peace. MIHRA unites the global multi-disciplinary community of adult and pediatric healthcare professionals, researchers, patient advisors and networks focused on conducting research in and providing care for pediatric and adult IIM-related disorders to ultimately find a cure. MIHRA serves as a resourced platform for collaborative efforts in investigator-initiated projects, consensus guidelines for IIM assessment and treatment, and IIM-specific career development through connecting research networks.MIHRA's infrastructure, mission, programming and operations are designed to address challenges unique to rare disease communities and aspires to contribute toward transformative models of rare disease research such as global expansion and inclusivity, utilization of community resources, streamlining ethics and data-sharing policies to facilitate collaborative research. Herein, summarises MIHRA operational cores, missions, vision, programming and provision of community resources to sustain, accelerate and grow global collaborative research in myositis-related disorders.

Symptomatic myopathies in sarcoidosis: disease spectrum and myxovirus resistance protein A expression

OBJECTIVES

Symptomatic myopathy in sarcoidosis patients is not always due to sarcoid myopathy (ScM). We investigated the clinical and pathological spectrum including myxovirus resistance protein A (MxA) expression among sarcoidosis patients.

METHODS

We reviewed the Mayo Clinic database (May 1980-December 2020) to identify sarcoidosis patients with myopathic symptoms and pathological evidence of myopathy.

RESULTS

Among 5885 sarcoidosis patients, 21 had symptomatic myopathy. Eight carried a diagnosis of sarcoidosis 5.5 years (median) prior to myopathy onset. Eleven patients had ScM. The remaining had non-sarcoid myopathies (five IBM, one immune-mediated necrotizing myopathy, one non-specific myositis, two non-specific myopathy and one steroid myopathy). Estimated frequency of IBM is 85 per 100 000 sarcoidosis patients. The following features were associated with non-sarcoid myopathies (P < 0.05): (i) predominant finger flexor and quadriceps weakness, (ii) modified Rankin scale (mRS) >2 at time of diagnosis, (iii) creatine kinase >500 U/l, and (iv) absence of intramuscular granulomas. Sarcoplasmic MxA expression was observed in scattered myofibres in three patients, two of whom were tested for DM-specific autoantibodies and were negative. Immunosuppressive therapy led to improvement in mRS ≥1 in 5/10 ScM, none of the five IBM, and 3/3 remaining patients with non-sarcoid myopathies.

DISCUSSION

Symptomatic myopathy occurred in 0.36% of sarcoidosis. IBM was the second most common cause of myopathies after ScM. Frequency of IBM in sarcoidosis is higher than in the general population. Recognition of features suggestive of alternative aetiologies can guide proper treatment. Our findings of abnormal MxA expression warrant a larger study.

Clinical Outcomes With and Without Plasma Exchange in the Treatment of Rapidly Progressive Interstitial Lung Disease Associated With Idiopathic Inflammatory Myopathy

BACKGROUND/OBJECTIVE

A subset of patients with idiopathic inflammatory myopathy (IIM) develops highly fatal, rapidly progressive interstitial lung disease (RP-ILD). Treatment strategies consist of glucocorticoid and adjunctive immunosuppressive therapies. Plasma exchange (PE) is an alternative therapy, but its benefit is unclear. In this study, we aimed to determine whether PE benefited outcomes for patients with RP-ILD.

METHODS

In this medical records review study, we compared baseline characteristics and clinical outcomes for 2 groups of patients with IIM-related RP-ILD: those who received and did not receive PE.

RESULTS

Our cohort consisted of 15 patients, 9 of whom received PE. Baseline demographic characteristics and severity of lung, skin, and musculoskeletal disease between the 2 groups of patients were not significantly different. Five patients required mechanical ventilation (2, PE; 3, no PE). Plasma exchange was generally a third-line adjunctive treatment option. The PE group had a longer median (interquartile range) hospitalization (27.0 [23.0-36.0] days) than the non-PE group (12.0 [8.0-14.0] days) ( p = 0.02). There was a potential benefit in 30-day mortality improvement in those receiving PE (0% vs 33%, p = 0.14), with a statistically significant improvement in 2 important composite end points including 30-day mortality or need for lung transplant (0% vs 50%, p = 0.04) and 1-year mortality or need for lung transplant or hospital readmission for RP-ILD in those receiving PE (22% vs 83%, p = 0.04).

CONCLUSIONS

Plasma exchange may be an underutilized, safe salvage therapy for patients with IIM-related RP-ILD when other immunosuppressive therapies fail.

Incidence, Prevalence, and Mortality of Dermatomyositis: A Population-Based Cohort Study

OBJECTIVE

We aimed to determine the population-based incidence, prevalence, and mortality of dermatomyositis (DM) using European Alliance of Associations for Rheumatology (EULAR)/American College of Rheumatology (ACR) criteria.

METHODS

This population-based cohort study included incident DM from January 1, 1995 to December 31, 2019. We manually reviewed all individuals with at least 1 code for DM or polymyositis to determine if they met EULAR/ACR criteria, subspecialty physician diagnosis, and/or Bohan and Peter criteria. We age- and sex-adjusted incidence and prevalence estimates to the US non-Hispanic White year 2000 population and estimated prevalence on January 1, 2015. Standardized mortality ratios (SMRs) with 95% confidence intervals (95% CIs) compared observed to expected mortality adjusting for age, sex, and year.

RESULTS

We identified 40 cases of verified DM, with 29 cases incident in Olmsted County from 1995 to 2019. The mean age was 57 years, 26 (90%) were female, and 12 (41%) had clinically amyopathic DM (CADM). The median follow-up time was 8.2 years. The overall adjusted incidence of DM was 1.1 (95% CI 0.7-1.5) per 100,000 person-years, and prevalence was 13 (95% CI 6-19) per 100,000. The SMR was significantly elevated among the myopathic DM cases (3.1 [95% CI 1.1-6.8]) but not CADM cases (1.1 [95% CI 0.2-3.3]). The positive predictive value of ≥2 DM codes was only 40 of 82 (49%).

CONCLUSION

This population-based study found that DM incidence and prevalence were higher than previously reported. Mortality was significantly elevated for myopathic DM but not for CADM.

Survival and associated comorbidities in inclusion body myositis

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate survival and associated comorbidities in inclusion body myositis (IBM) in a population-based, case-control study.

METHODS

We utilized the expanded Rochester Epidemiology Project medical records-linkage system, including 27 counties in Minnesota and Wisconsin, to identify patients with IBM, other inflammatory myopathies (IIM), and age/sex-matched population-controls. We compared the frequency of various comorbidities and survival among groups.

RESULTS

We identified 50 IBM patients, 65 IIM controls and 294 population controls. Dysphagia was most common in IBM (64%) patients. The frequency of neurodegenerative disorders (dementia/parkinsonism) and solid cancers was not different between groups. Rheumatoid arthritis was the most common rheumatic disease in all groups. A total of 36% of IBM patients had a peripheral neuropathy, 6% had Sjögren's syndrome and 10% had a haematologic malignancy. T-cell large granular lymphocytic leukaemia was only observed in the IBM group. None of the IBM patients had hepatitis B or C, or HIV. IBM patients were 2.7 times more likely to have peripheral neuropathy, 6.2 times more likely to have Sjögren's syndrome and 3.9 times more likely to have a haematologic malignancy than population controls. IBM was associated with increased mortality, with a 10-year survival of 36% from index, compared with 67% in IIM and 59% in population controls. Respiratory failure or pneumonia (44%) was the most common cause of death.

CONCLUSIONS

IBM is associated with lower survival, and higher frequency of peripheral neuropathy, Sjögren's syndrome and haematologic malignancies than the general population. Close monitoring of IBM-related complications is warranted.

Time to transition from psoriasis to psoriatic arthritis: A population-based study

OBJECTIVE

To identify demographic and clinical characteristics associated with time between psoriasis and psoriatic arthritis (PsA).

METHODS

A retrospective, population-based cohort of incident PsA patients ≥18 years (2000-17) from Olmsted County, MN was identified. PsA patients were divided into two groups: patients with concurrent psoriasis and PsA (within 1 year), and patients with psoriasis before PsA (>1 year). Patients with PsA prior to psoriasis were excluded. Age- and sex-adjusted logistic regression models were used to examine factors associated with the time between psoriasis and PsA diagnosis.

RESULTS

Among 164 patients with incident PsA, 158 had a current or personal history of psoriasis. The mean (SD) age at PsA diagnosis was 46.3 (12.0) years, and 46% were females. The median (interquartile range) time from psoriasis to PsA was 35.5 (0.8-153.4) months. 64 patients (41%) patients had concurrent psoriasis and PsA while 94 (59%) had onset of psoriasis before PsA. The estimated age at onset of psoriasis symptom (OR per 10-year decrease = 1.63, 95% CI: 1.26-2.11) and psoriasis severity (OR = 3.65, 95% CI: 1.18-11.32 for severe vs. mild) were associated with having a psoriasis diagnosis more than one year prior to incident PsA.

CONCLUSION

In this population-based study, approximately 60% of the patients had psoriasis before PsA, and the rest had concurrent psoriasis and PsA. Patients with lower age at psoriasis onset or severe psoriasis were more likely to have a longer time to transition from psoriasis to PsA.

Do histopathological features correlate with systemic manifestations in dermatomyositis? Analysis of 42 skin biopsy specimens from 22 patients

BACKGROUND

Understanding whether specific histopathologic features on skin biopsy are predictive of systemic associations in dermatomyositis would be useful to guide clinical screening.

METHODS

Via retrospective medical record search, clinical and laboratory findings of patients with dermatomyositis were documented. Existing skin biopsy slides were re-reviewed blindly.

RESULTS

Of all biopsy specimens (n=42), the most frequent histopathological finding was vacuolar interface dermatitis (95%). Other features included perivascular lymphocytic infiltrate (71%), increased dermal mucin (40%), vessel wall thickening (12%), follicular plugging (9.5%) and dermal sclerosis (7%). Neutrophilic infiltrate was observed in 3 biopsies from a patient with adualimumab-associated DM. Vasculitis was not observed. There was no statistically significant difference in the presence of any histopathological feature and that of various systemic manifestations [i.e. myopathy, interstitial lung disease (ILD) and malignancy]. However, we observed that dense lichenoid infiltrate rather than pauci-inflammatory changes correlated with severe itching (p < 0.001) Patients with MDA-5 antibodies were significantly more likely to have vasculopathy than those without (p=0.029*).

CONCLUSIONS

No dermatopathological feature was reliably predictive of myopathy, ILD or malignancy. This finding implies that regardless of histopathologic findings, patients should be screened for associated conditions, as clinically indicated.

Incidence and Prevalence of Immune-mediated Necrotizing Myopathy in Adults in Olmsted County, Minnesota

INTRODUCTION/AIMS

Immune-mediated necrotizing myopathy (IMNM) is considered a rare subtype of the immune-mediated myopathies, but its incidence and prevalence are unknown. This study aimed to determine the incidence and prevalence of IMNM in the adults in Olmsted County, Minnesota.

METHODS

We identified adult patients with IMNM defined by the 2016 European Neuromuscular Centre diagnostic criteria among Olmsted County, Minnesota, residents over a 20-year period RESULTS: Seven patients fulfilled the inclusion criteria. Six patients were tested for IMNM antibodies: 4 were anti 3-Hydroxy-3-Methylglutaryl-CoA Reductase (HMGCR)-positive, 1 was anti-signal recognition particle (SRP)-positive and 1 was seronegative. The incidence of IMNM during 2010-2019 was 8.3 per million person-years. The prevalence of IMNM in 2010 was 1.85 per 100,000 people ≥50 years. Median age at symptom onset was 64 years (range: 52-86) and median time from symptom onset to diagnosis was 3 months (range <1-156). Statin use among anti-HMGCR IMNM patients, but not the entire IMNM cohort, was higher than in controls (P=0.024). Two IMNM patients developed cancers. The incidence of malignancy in IMNM was not higher than that of the general population. Treatment outcome was favorable in all patients except for 1 with delayed treatment and one with insufficient therapy. Among 3 deceased patients, 1 died from cancer while 2 died from IMNM-related cardiorespiratory complications.

DISCUSSION

IMNM is a rare disease. Its prevalence is one tenth that of inclusion body myositis in Olmsted County, Minnesota. IMNM patients in our cohort were not at higher risk for developing cancer.

Dr. Sehgal et al reply

We appreciate the interest of Wang et al¹ in our case.² We agree with several of their comments and would like to clarify a few details here.

Clinical and histopathological features of adult patients with dermatomyositis and MDA5 autoantibody seropositivity status, as determined by commercial-based testing: A retrospective, single-institution comparative cohort study

BACKGROUND

Although MDA-5 autoantibodies are widely explored in dermatomyositis (DM), most studies relied on MDA-5 autoantibody testing performed in research settings and not with the now-available commercial laboratory tests.

OBJECTIVE

To characterize the clinical and histopathologic data in patients with DM and circulating MDA5-autoantibodies, as defined by commercial-based testing.

METHODS

Retrospective review of patients with DM who underwent MDA-5 antibody testing. All available skin biopsy slides were reviewed.

RESULTS

Cutaneous features more prevalent in MDA-5 positive DM included Raynaud syndrome (p <0.0001), cutaneous ulcerations (p=0.013), mechanic hands (p=0.0164), palmar papules (p=0.004), oral ulcers (p=0.024) and alopecia (p= 0.027). Joint and pulmonary involvement were more frequently in patients with MDA-5 positive DM (both p<0.0001) as was dysphagia (p=0.0029). Myopathy (p=0.404) and malignancy (p=0.342) were not statistically different between the cohorts. Vasculopathy was more frequent in MDA-5 positive DM (p=0.005), while spongiosis was less (p=0.016).

CONCLUSIONS

This study not only confirmed some known associations between disease manifestations and MDA-5 autoantibody status, as determined by commercially-available testing, but also identified new associations, including Raynaud syndrome and dysphagia.

Epidemiology and Natural History of Inclusion Body Myositis: A 40-Year Population-Based Study

OBJECTIVES

To determine the prevalence and natural history of sporadic inclusion body myositis (sIBM) and to test the hypothesis that patients with sIBM have higher cancer or mortality rates than the general population.

METHODS

We sought patients with sIBM defined by the 2011 European Neuromuscular Centre (ENMC) diagnostic criteria among Olmsted County, Minnesota, residents in 40-year time period.

RESULTS

We identified 20 patients (10 clinicopathologically defined, 9 clinically defined, and 1 probable) according to the ENMC criteria and 1 patient with all features of clinicopathologically defined sIBM except for symptom onset at <45 years of age. The prevalence of sIBM in 2010 was 18.20 per 100,000 people ≥50 years old. Ten patients developed cancers. The incidence of cancers in sIBM did not differ from that observed in the general population (odds ratio 1.89, 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.639-5.613, p = 0.24). Two-thirds of patients developed dysphagia, and half required a feeding tube. Nine patients required a wheelchair. The median time from symptom onset to wheelchair dependence was 10.5 (range 1-29) years. Overall life expectancy was shorter in the sIBM group compared to the general population (84.1 [95% CI 78-88.4] vs 87.5 [95% CI 85.2-89.5] years, p = 0.03). Thirteen patients died; 9 deaths were sIBM related (7 respiratory and 2 unspecified sIBM complications). Female sex (p = 0.03) and dysphagia (p = 0.05) were independent predictors of death.

CONCLUSION

Olmsted County has the highest prevalence of sIBM reported to date. Patients with sIBM have similar risk of cancer, but slightly shorter life expectancy compared to matched patients without sIBM.

CLASSIFICATION OF EVIDENCE

This study provides Class II evidence that patients with sIBM have similar risks of cancers and slightly shorter life expectancy compared to controls.

The Epidemiology of Psoriatic Arthritis Over Five Decades: A Population-Based Study

OBJECTIVE

To determine the incidence of psoriatic arthritis (PsA) in a US population and describe trends in incidence and mortality over 5 decades.

METHODS

The previously identified population-based cohort that included Olmsted County, Minnesota residents ≥18 years of age who fulfilled PsA criteria during 1970-1999 was extended to include patients with incident PsA during 2000-2017. Age- and sex-specific incidence rates and point prevalence, adjusted to the 2010 US White population, were reported.

RESULTS

There were 164 incident cases of PsA in 2000-2017 (mean ± SD age 46.4 ± 12.0 years; 47% female). The overall age- and sex-adjusted annual incidence of PsA per 100,000 population was 8.5 (95% confidence interval [95% CI] 7.2-9.8) and was higher in men (9.3 [95% CI 7.4-11.3]) than women (7.7 [95% CI 5.9-9.4]) in 2000-2017. Overall incidence was highest in the 40-59 years age group. The incidence rate was relatively stable during 2000-2017, with no evidence of an overall increase or an increase in men only (but a modest increase of 3% per year in women), compared to 1970-1999 when a 4%-per-year increase in incidence was observed. Point prevalence was 181.8 per 100,000 population (95% CI 156.5-207.1) in 2015. The percentage of women among those with PsA increased from 39% in 1970-1999 and 41% in 2000-2009 to 54% in 2010-2017 (P = 0.08). Overall survival in PsA did not differ from the general population (standardized mortality ratio 0.85 [95% CI 0.61-1.15]).

CONCLUSION

The incidence of PsA in this predominantly White US population was stable in 2000-2017, in contrast to previous years. However, an increasing proportion of women with PsA was found in this study.

Diagnostic Delay in Psoriatic Arthritis: A Population-based Study

OBJECTIVE

To examine demographic and clinical characteristics associated with diagnostic delay in psoriatic arthritis (PsA).

METHODS

We characterized a retrospective, population-based cohort of incident adult (≥ 18 yrs) patients with PsA from Olmsted County, Minnesota, from 2000-2017. All patients met the classification criteria. Diagnostic delay was defined as the time from any patient-reported PsA-related joint symptom to a physician diagnosis of PsA. Factors associated with delay in PsA diagnosis were identified through logistic regression models.

RESULTS

Of the 164 incident PsA cases from 2000 to 2017, 162 had a physician or rheumatologist diagnosis. Mean (SD) age was 41.5 (12.6) years and 46% were female. Median time from symptom onset to physician diagnosis was 2.5 years (IQR 0.5-7.3). By 6 months, 38 (23%) received a diagnosis of PsA, 56 (35%) by 1 year, and 73 (45%) by 2 years after symptom onset. No significant trend in diagnostic delay was observed over calendar time. Earlier age at onset of PsA symptoms, higher BMI, and enthesitis were associated with a diagnostic delay of > 2 years, whereas sebopsoriasis was associated with a lower likelihood of delay.

CONCLUSION

In our study, more than half of PsA patients had a diagnostic delay of > 2 years, and no significant improvement in time to diagnosis was noted between 2000 and 2017. Patients with younger age at PsA symptom onset, higher BMI, or enthesitis before diagnosis were more likely to have a diagnostic delay of > 2 years, whereas patients with sebopsoriasis were less likely to have a diagnostic delay.

Anti-cN1A antibodies do not correlate with specific clinical, electromyographic, or pathological findings in sporadic inclusion body myositis

BACKGROUND

Anti-cytosolic 5'-nucleotidase 1A (cN1A) antibodies are commonly detected in patients with sporadic inclusion body myositis (sIBM). However, their pathogenic role has not been established. Moreover, efforts toward identifying sIBM distinct clinicopathologic characteristics associated with these antibodies have yielded conflicting results.

METHODS

We first searched for patients, seen in our clinics, tested for anti-cN1A antibodies between December 2015 and December 2019. We identified 92 patients who were diagnosed with sIBM, according to the 2011 ENMC or Griggs et al criteria. Thereafter, we reviewed and compared the clinical and investigational findings of these patients in relation to their antibody status.

RESULTS

Anti-cN1A antibodies were present in 47/92 (51%) patients with sIBM. Comparison of seropositive and seronegative cohorts yielded no significant difference in clinical features, including facial weakness, oropharyngeal and respiratory involvement, or disease severity. The antibody titer did not correlate with the clinical phenotype, CK value, or presence of myotonic discharges on EMG. Anti-cN1A antibody positive patients appeared to have more frequent auto-aggressive inflammation on muscle biopsy but not as an isolated myopathological feature.

CONCLUSIONS

Our study showed that anti-cN1A antibody positive and negative sIBM patients have similar clinical features and disease severity. Anti-cN1A antibodies in our sIBM cohort did not correlate with any studied clinical or laboratory parameter and, therefore, were of limited value in the patient's assessment.

Erectile Dysfunction in Men With Psoriatic Arthritis: A Population-based Cohort Study

OBJECTIVE

To define the incidence of erectile dysfunction (ED) in a population-based cohort of men with psoriatic arthritis (PsA).

METHODS

Data pertaining to demographics, ED, and potential confounding diagnosis were extracted from a comprehensive medical record system for a population-based cohort of men with PsA and an age-matched male comparator cohort. Cumulative incidence of ED adjusted for competing risk of death was compared between the 2 cohorts.

RESULTS

There were 128 age-matched pairs of men with PsA and without PsA in the described cohorts. At baseline, there was a 7% prevalence of ED in men with PsA prior to diagnosis compared to a 3% prevalence of ED in the comparator cohort (P = 0.16). After PsA diagnosis/index date, diagnosis with PsA was associated with an increased risk of ED (age-adjusted HR 1.45, 95% CI 0.79-2.68), but this association did not reach statistical significance. This was based on 24 cases of ED in the men with PsA and 18 cases within the comparator cohort. No confounding factors or ED treatment strategies differed significantly between men with PsA and ED and comparators with ED.

CONCLUSION

Men with PsA may have an increased risk of ED, which was detected but likely underpowered in this study. Whether this difference is secondary to higher prevalence of traditional risk factors of ED in men with PsA compared to the general population will require further study.

Functional Index-3: A Valid and Reliable Functional Outcome Assessment Measure in Patients With Dermatomyositis and Polymyositis

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, and intra- and interrater reliability.

METHODS

A dataset of the previously performed and validated FI-2 (n = 63) was analyzed for internal redundancy, floor, and ceiling effects. The content of the FI-2 was revised into the FI-3. Construct validity and intrarater reliability of FI-3 were tested on 43 DM and PM patients at 2 rheumatology centers. Interrater reliability was tested in 25 patients. The construct validity was compared with the Myositis Activities Profile (MAP), Health Assessment Questionnaire (HAQ), and Borg CR-10 using Spearman correlation coefficient.

RESULTS

Spearman correlation coefficients of 63 patients performing FI-3 revealed moderate to high correlations between shoulder flexion and hip flexion tasks and similar correlations with MAP and HAQ scores; there were lower correlations for neck flexion task. All FI-3 tasks had very low to moderate correlations with the Borg scale. Intraclass correlation coefficients (ICC) of FI-3 tasks for intrarater reliability (n = 25) were moderate to good (0.88-0.98). ICC of FI-3 tasks for interrater reliability (n = 17) were fair to good (range 0.83-0.96).

CONCLUSION

The FI-3 is an efficient and valid method for clinically assessing muscle endurance in DM and PM patients. FI-3 construct validity is supported by the significant correlations between functional tasks and the MAP, HAQ, and Borg CR-10 scores.

Interferon Chemokine Score and Other Cytokine Measures Track With Changes in Disease Activity in Patients With Juvenile and Adult Dermatomyositis

Objective

Our aim was to identify cytokines and chemokines in patients with adult dermatomyositis (DM) and juvenile dermatomyositis (JDM) that predict changes in disease activity.

Methods

Multiplexed immunoassays (Meso Scale Discovery) enabled simultaneous measurement of interferon (IFN)‐regulated chemokines and other pro‐ and anti‐inflammatory cytokines specific to differentiation of specific T‐cell and innate pathways. Cytokine scores were computed for IFNCK (IP‐10, MCP‐1), Th1 (IFNɣ, TNFα, and IL2), Th2 (IL4, IL10, IL12, and IL 13), Th17 (IL6, IL17, IL1β), macrophage (MIP‐1α, MIP‐1β, IL8), and regulatory (IL10, TNFα) factors. Spearman correlation and mixed models were used to examine whether cytokines at a previous visit predict change in disease activity at the next visit.

Results

The study included 36 patients (16 DM and 20 JDM) with at least two visits (87 patient intervals between two visits). Mean age (SD) at inclusion was 56.9 (18.4) years for DM and 10.8 (6.6) years in JDM, 67% of patients were female, 89% Caucasian. The mean (SD) physician global, muscle and extra‐muscular disease activity Visual Analog Scale scores at inclusion were 41 (26), 36 (30), and 34 (21) mm, respectively. The change in IFN score from one visit to the next was associated with the change in physician global (P = 0.010) and extramuscular (P < 0.001) disease activity scores. Preliminary results revealed significant correlations of previous IFNCK score and IL‐6 with subsequent disease activity measures, but after adjustment for multiple visits per patient, these associations did not reach statistical significance.

Conclusion

There is a potential relationship between IFNCK and other cytokine scores seen in adult and juvenile DM with future disease states.

Clinical Presentation, Management, and Prognosis of Pseudogout in Joint Arthroplasty: A Retrospective Cohort Study

Introduction: Calcium pyrophosphate deposition disease (CPPD), or pseudogout, is rare in prosthetic joints, but can mimic prosthetic joint infection (PJI) according to case reports. The purpose of this case series is to describe the demographics, presentation, management, and outcomes of a cohort of these patients seen at our academic medical center. Methods: Patients with post-implant pseudogout, who were evaluated at our medical center between January 1, 2000 and June 30, 2016, were identified from our EHR. Data pertaining to demographics, presentation, management, and outcomes were abstracted, and patients were categorized into two groups based on presence of concomitant infection along with positive CPDD findings in synovial fluid. Results: 22 patients were included. 90.9% of cases involved a TKA. The most common indication for arthroplasty was degenerative joint disease. Only four patients had a history of previous gout or pseudogout, three of which belonged to the group with no evidence of concomitant joint infection. Clinical features for patients without concomitant infection included pain (100%), swelling at the joint (88.9%), redness (33.3%), fever (22.2%), and decreased range of motion (100%). 45.5% of patients received antibiotics prior to joint aspiration (44.4% of patients with negative synovial fluid cultures, 46.2% of patients with concomitant infection). Conclusion: Our study suggests similar clinical presentation between post-implant pseudogout and PJI. Among patients with pseudogout as well as in those with PJI, the first dose of antibiotics should not be given before sampling for synovial culture. Unfortunately, many patients receive antibiotics prior to culture ascertainment, which raises concern for antibiotic overuse.

Topical sodium thiosulfate for calcinosis cutis associated with autoimmune connective tissue diseases: the Mayo Clinic experience, 2012-2017

In this case series, we retrospectively identified all patients treated with topical sodium thiosulfate (TST) for calcinosis cutis (CC) associated with underlying autoimmune connective tissue diseases at Mayo Clinic (Rochester, MN, USA) during the period 1 January 2012 to 27 June 2017. Of 28 patients identified (mean age 57.0 years; 96% female), 19 (68%) had clinical improvement of their CC with TST, 7 (25%) had no response and 2 (7%) had unknown response. There were adverse events in three patients: two had skin irritation and the third, who had a zinc allergy, experienced pain with application. Overall, our findings support those of previous case reports that TST appears to be a relatively well-tolerated adjuvant treatment for CC, although future studies with a control group are warranted to assess the true efficacy of TST for the indication of CC.

Novel Assessment of Interstitial Lung Disease Using the "Computer-Aided Lung Informatics for Pathology Evaluation and Rating" (CALIPER) Software System in Idiopathic Inflammatory Myopathies

PURPOSE

To evaluate the correlation between measurements from quantitative thoracic high-resolution CT (HRCT) analysis with "Computer-Aided Lung Informatics for Pathology Evaluation and Rating" (CALIPER) software and measurements from pulmonary function tests (PFTs) in patients with idiopathic inflammatory myopathies (IIM)-associated interstitial lung disease (ILD).

METHODS

A cohort of patients with IIM-associated ILD seen at Mayo Clinic was identified from medical record review. Retrospective analysis of HRCT data and PFTs at baseline and 1 year was performed. The abnormalities in HRCT were quantified using CALIPER software.

RESULTS

A total of 110 patients were identified. At baseline, total interstitial abnormalities as measured by CALIPER, both by absolute volume and by percentage of total lung volume, had a significant negative correlation with diffusing capacity for carbon monoxide (DLCO), total lung capacity (TLC), and oxygen saturation. Analysis by subtype of interstitial abnormality revealed significant negative correlations between ground glass opacities (GGO) and reticular density (RD) with DLCO and TLC. At one year, changes of total interstitial abnormalities compared with baseline had a significant negative correlation with changes of TLC and oxygen saturation. A negative correlation between changes of total interstitial abnormalities and DLCO was also observed, but it was not statistically significant. Analysis by subtype of interstitial abnormality revealed negative correlations between changes of GGO and RD and changes of DLCO, TLC, and oxygen saturation, but most of the correlations did not achieve statistical significance.

CONCLUSION

CALIPER measurements correlate well with functional measurements in patients with IIM-associated ILD.

Gene Expression Profiling in Blood and Affected Muscle Tissues Reveals Differential Activation Pathways in Patients with New-onset Juvenile and Adult Dermatomyositis

OBJECTIVE

To identify shared and differential molecular pathways in blood and affected muscle between adult dermatomyositis (DM) and juvenile DM, and their association with clinical disease activity measures.

METHODS

Gene expression of transcription factors and cytokines involved in differentiation and effector function of T cell subsets, regulatory T cells and follicular Th cells, were analyzed in the blood from 21 newly diagnosed adult and 26 juvenile DM subjects and in 15 muscle specimens (7 adult and 8 juvenile DM) using a custom RT2 Profiler PCR Array. Disease activity was determined and measured by established disease activity tools.

RESULTS

The most prominent finding was the higher blood expression of Th17-related cytokines [retinoic acid-related orphan receptor-γ, interferon regulatory factor 4, interleukin (IL)-23A, IL-6, IL-17F, and IL-21] in juvenile DM at baseline. In contrast, adult patients with DM showed increased blood levels of STAT3 and BCL6 compared with juvenile DM. In muscle, GATA3, IL-13, and STAT5B were found at higher levels in juvenile patients with DM compared with adult DM. Among 25 patients (11 adult and 14 juvenile DM) who had blood samples at baseline and at 6 months, increased expression of IL-1β, STAT3, STAT6, STAT5B, and BCL6 was associated with an improvement in global extramuscular disease activity.

CONCLUSION

We observed differences in gene expression profiling in blood and muscle between new-onset adult and juvenile DM. Cytokine expression in the blood of juvenile patients with new-onset DM was dominated by Th17-related cytokines compared with adult patients with DM. This may reflect the activation of different Th pathways between muscle and blood.

Epidemiology of Mixed Connective Tissue Disease, 1985-2014: A Population-Based Study

OBJECTIVE

To characterize the epidemiology of mixed connective tissue disease (MCTD) from 1983 to 2014.

METHODS

An inception cohort of patients with incident MCTD in 1985-2014 in Olmsted County, Minnesota was identified based on comprehensive individual medical record review. Diagnosis of MCTD required fulfillment of at least 1 of the 4 widely accepted diagnostic criteria without fulfillment of classification criteria for other connective tissue diseases. Data were collected on demographic characteristics, clinical presentation, laboratory investigations, and mortality.

RESULTS

A total of 50 incident cases of MCTD were identified (mean age 48.1 years and 84% were female). The annual incidence of MCTD was 1.9 per 100,000 population. Raynaud's phenomenon was the most common initial symptoms (50%), followed by arthralgia (30%) and swollen hands (16%). The diagnosis was frequently delayed with the median time from first symptom to fulfillment of criteria of 3.6 years. At fulfillment of criteria, arthralgia was the most prevalent manifestation (86%), followed by Raynaud's phenomenon (80%), swollen hands (64%), leukopenia/lymphopenia (44%), and heartburn (38%). Evolution to other connective tissue occurred infrequently with a 10-year rate of evolution of 8.5% and 6.3% for systemic lupus erythematosus and systemic sclerosis, respectively. The overall mortality was not different from the general population with a standardized mortality ratio of 1.1 (95% confidence interval 0.4-2.6).

CONCLUSION

This study was the first population-based study of MCTD to provide a complete picture of epidemiology and clinical characteristics of MCTD. MCTD occurred in about 2 persons per 100,000 per year. Evolution to other connective diseases occurred infrequently and the mortality was not affected.

Incidence of systemic lupus erythematosus in a population-based cohort using revised 1997 American College of Rheumatology and the 2012 Systemic Lupus International Collaborating Clinics classification criteria

In 2012, the Systemic Lupus International Collaborating Clinics (SLICC) group published a new set of classification criteria for systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). Studies applying these criteria to real-life scenarios have found either equal or greater sensitivity and equal or lower specificity to the 1997 ACR classification criteria (ACR 97). Nonetheless, there are no studies that have used the SLICC 12 criteria to investigate the incidence of lupus. We used the resource of the Rochester Epidemiology Project to identify incident SLE patients in Olmsted County, Minnesota, from 1993 to 2005, who fulfilled the ACR 97 or SLICC 12 criteria. A total of 58 patients met criteria by SLICC 12 and 44 patients met criteria by ACR 97. The adjusted incidence of 4.9 per 100,000 person-years by SLICC 12 was higher than that by ACR 97 (3.7 per 100,000 person-years, p = 0.04). The median duration from the appearance of first criterion to fulfillment of the criteria was shorter for the SLICC 12 than for ACR 97 (3.9 months vs 8.1 months). The higher incidence by SLICC 12 criteria came primarily from the ability to classify patients with renal-limited disease, the expansion of the immunologic criteria and the expansion of neurologic criteria.

Proposal for a Candidate Core Set of Fitness and Strength Tests for Patients with Childhood or Adult Idiopathic Inflammatory Myopathies

OBJECTIVE

Currently there are no evidence-based recommendations regarding fitness and strength tests for patients with childhood or adult idiopathic inflammatory myopathies (IIM). This hinders clinicians and researchers in choosing the appropriate fitness- or muscle strength-related outcome measures for these patients. Through a Delphi survey, we aimed to identify a candidate core set of fitness and strength tests for children and adults with IIM.

METHODS

Fifteen experts participated in a Delphi survey that consisted of 5 stages to achieve a consensus. Using an extensive search of published literature and through the work of experts, a candidate core set based on expert opinion and clinimetrics properties was developed. Members of the International Myositis Assessment and Clinical Studies Group were invited to review this candidate core set during the final stage, which led to a final candidate core set.

RESULTS

A core set of fitness- and strength-related outcome measures was identified for children and adults with IIM. For both children and adults, different tests were identified and selected for maximal aerobic fitness, submaximal aerobic fitness, anaerobic fitness, muscle strength tests, and muscle function tests.

CONCLUSION

The core set of fitness- and strength-related outcome measures provided by this expert consensus process will assist practitioners and researchers in deciding which tests to use in patients with IIM. This will improve the uniformity of fitness and strength tests across studies, thereby facilitating the comparison of study results and therapeutic exercise program outcomes among patients with IIM.

Residency Training: Quality improvement projects in neurology residency and fellowship: applying DMAIC methodology

OBJECTIVE

Teaching quality improvement (QI) is a priority for residency and fellowship training programs. However, many medical trainees have had little exposure to QI methods. The purpose of this study is to review a rigorous and simple QI methodology (define, measure, analyze, improve, and control [DMAIC]) and demonstrate its use in a fellow-driven QI project aimed at reducing the number of delayed and canceled muscle biopsies at our institution.

METHODS

DMAIC was utilized. The project aim was to reduce the number of delayed muscle biopsies to 10% or less within 24 months. Baseline data were collected for 12 months. These data were analyzed to identify root causes for muscle biopsy delays and cancellations. Interventions were developed to address the most common root causes. Performance was then remeasured for 9 months.

RESULTS

Baseline data were collected on 97 of 120 muscle biopsies during 2013. Twenty biopsies (20.6%) were delayed. The most common causes were scheduling too many tests on the same day and lack of fasting. Interventions aimed at patient education and biopsy scheduling were implemented. The effect was to reduce the number of delayed biopsies to 6.6% (6/91) over the next 9 months.

CONCLUSIONS

Familiarity with QI methodologies such as DMAIC is helpful to ensure valid results and conclusions. Utilizing DMAIC, we were able to implement simple changes and significantly reduce the number of delayed muscle biopsies at our institution.

Cardiovascular risk profile at the onset of psoriatic arthritis: a population-based cohort study

OBJECTIVE

The role of cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk factors in psoriatic arthritis (PsA) is poorly understood. We examined the prevalence of CVD risk factors at initial onset of PsA and compared the observed incidence of CVD events with that predicted by the Framingham Risk Score (FRS) to determine its applicability in this patient population.

METHODS

A population-based incidence cohort of 158 patients with PsA who fulfilled Classification of Psoriatic Arthritis criteria for PsA in 1989-2008 was assembled. Medical records were reviewed to ascertain CVD risk factors and CVD events. Future risk of CVD was estimated using the FRS algorithm.

RESULTS

Mean age was 43.4 years (range 19-74 years), 61% were men, and 44% were obese (body mass index ≥30 kg/m(2) ). Fifty-four patients (34%) presented with ≥2 CVD risk factors at PsA incidence. Among 126 patients ages ≥30 years at PsA incidence with no prior history of CVD, 33% had an FRS ≥10%, with 11% having an FRS ≥20%, and 18 experienced a CVD event in the first 10 years of disease duration. The 10-year cumulative incidence of CVD events was 17% (95% confidence interval [95% CI] 10%-24%), almost twice as high as the predicted incidence based on the FRS (standardized incidence ratio 1.80, 95% CI 1.14-2.86; P = 0.012).

CONCLUSION

The majority of newly diagnosed PsA patients have a >10% risk of CVD within 10 years of PsA incidence. The CVD risk in these patients is higher than expected and underestimated by the FRS.

A case of catastrophic antiphospholipid syndrome: first report with advanced cardiac imaging using MRI

This present case pertains to a 48-year-old woman with a history of antiphospholipid syndrome, who presented with progressive fatigue, generalized weakness, and orthopnea acutely. She had a prior diagnosis of antiphospholipid syndrome with recurrent deep vein thromboses (DVTs) and repeated demonstration of lupus anticoagulants. She presented in cardiogenic shock with markedly elevated troponin and global myocardial dysfunction on echocardiography, and cardiac catheterization revealed minimal disease. Cardiac magnetic resonance imaging was performed, which revealed findings of perfusion defects and microvascular obstruction, consistent with the pathophysiology of catastrophic antiphospholipid syndrome (CAPS). Diagnosis was made based on supportive imaging, including head magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) revealing multifocal, acute strokes; microvascular thrombosis in the dermis; and subacute renal infarctions. The patient was anticoagulated with intravenous unfractionated heparin and received high-dose methylprednisolone, plasmapheresis, intravenous immunoglobulin, and one dose each of rituximab and cyclophosphamide. She convalesced with eventual myocardial recovery after a complicated course. The diagnosis of CAPS relies on the presence of (1) antiphospholipid antibodies and (2) involvement of multiple organs in a microangiopathic thrombotic process with a close temporal association. The myocardium is frequently affected, and heart failure, either as the presenting symptom or cause of death, is common. Despite echocardiographic evidence of myocardial dysfunction in such patients, MRIs of CAPS have not previously been reported. This case highlights the utility in assessing the involvement of the myocardium by the microangiopathic process with MRI. Because the diagnosis of CAPS requires involvement in multiple organ systems, cardiac MRI is likely an underused tool that not only reaffirms the pathophysiology of CAPS, but could also clue clinicians in to the possibility of a diffuse thrombotic process.

Frequency and spectrum of myopathies in patients with psoriasis

INTRODUCTION

Psoriasis is a T-cell-mediated skin disorder with uncommon extracutaneous manifestations. Rare patients with psoriasis and myopathy have been reported.

METHODS

We conducted a retrospective review of medical records of psoriasis patients seen at the Mayo Clinic during the period from January 1, 1996 to May 31, 2011. Patients who had pathologically confirmed myopathy or lymphocytic infiltrates in muscle were included.

RESULTS

Among 11,370 psoriasis patients, 13 had pathologically confirmed myopathies. Seventy percent were inflammatory myopathies, and 2 had focal inflammation in the muscle. Psoriasis preceded myopathy onset in two-thirds of the patients (median 14.7 years). Half of the patients had psoriatic arthritis; 60% had other autoimmune disorders. Patients who received anti-tumor necrosis factor-alpha (anti-TNF-α) therapy had a higher risk for developing myopathy or inflammation in muscle (odds ratio = 4.45).

CONCLUSIONS

Myopathy or inflammation in muscle affects an average of 1.32 of every 1000 psoriasis patients. Concomitant autoimmune disorders, psoriatic arthritis, and exposure to anti-TNF-α therapy may be associated with increased risk of developing myopathy in psoriasis patients.

Risk and predictors of cardiovascular disease in psoriasis: a population-based study

BACKGROUND

Emerging evidence suggests that severe psoriasis is associated with increased risk of cardiovascular disease. The goal of this study was to examine the risk and predictors of clinical cardiovascular events in psoriasis.

METHODS

We performed a historical cohort and a nested case-cohort study using the population-based resources in Olmsted County, Minnesota. The study population included a population-based incidence cohort of patients with psoriasis first diagnosed between January 1, 1970, and January 1, 2000, and 2678 age- and sex-matched non-psoriasis subjects. Cardiovascular events, including hospitalized myocardial infarction, coronary revascularization procedures, stroke, heart failure, and cardiovascular death.

RESULTS

Psoriasis was associated with an increased risk of myocardial infarction based on diagnostic codes (hazard ratio 1.26; 95% confidence intervals: 1.01, 1.58) but not when the analyses were restricted to validated myocardial infarction (hazard ratio 1.18; 95% confidence intervals: 0.80, 1.74). Psoriasis was not associated with an increased risk of heart failure or cardiovascular death. Traditional cardiovascular risk factors were significantly associated with cardiovascular risk in psoriasis. Each 1% increase in Framingham risk score at psoriasis incidence corresponded with a 5-10% increase in risk of cardiovascular events.

CONCLUSION

In this large incidence cohort of patients with psoriasis representing the full disease severity spectrum, psoriasis was not associated with an increased cardiovascular risk.

Longitudinal Peripheral Blood Lymphocyte Subsets Correlate with Decreased Disease Activity in Juvenile Dermatomyositis

Objective:

To determine the clinical characteristics and subsets of peripheral blood lymphocytes (PBL), which correlate with decreased disease activity in patients with juvenile dermatomyositis (JDM).

Methods.

Peripheral blood mononuclear cells from 24 patients with JDM were collected at Mayo Clinic Rochester between 2007 and 2011. These were analyzed using fluorescence-activated cell sorting and flow cytometry. Clinical disease activity was determined by visual analog scales (VAS) collected in 2 consecutive visits and correlated with PBL subsets.

Results.

The change in CD3+CD69+ T cells correlated with the change in global VAS scores. The change in HLA-DR- CD11c+ myeloid dendritic cells also correlated with the change in extramuscular VAS scores. There were trends toward decreased levels of HLA-DR- CD11c+ cells with decreased muscle and global VAS scores, but these did not reach significance. The change in HLA-DR- CD123+ plasmacytoid dendritic cells negatively correlated with the change in muscle VAS scores. Although not statistically significant, decreased levels of CD3-CD16- CD56+ natural killer (NK) cells and HLA-DR- CD86+ myeloid dendritic cells, and increased levels of CD16+CD56- NK cells, correlated with decreased VAS scores.

Conclusion.

Changes in CD3+CD69+ T cells, HLA-DR- CD11c+ myeloid dendritic cells, and HLA-DR- CD123+ plasmacytoid dendritic cells are associated with improved clinical course in JDM and could be used as markers for disease activity, but findings need to be verified in a larger, independent cohort. Lack of significant differences among most of our PBL subsets suggests that lymphocyte phenotyping may be difficult to definitively correlate with disease activity in JDM.

The lifetime risk of adult-onset rheumatoid arthritis and other inflammatory autoimmune rheumatic diseases

OBJECTIVE

Understanding of the personal risks for rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and other rheumatic diseases remains poor, despite advances in knowledge with regard to their pathogenesis, therapeutics, and clinical impact, in part because the personal lifetime risk of developing these diseases is unknown. This study was undertaken to estimate the lifetime risk of RA, as well as other inflammatory autoimmune rheumatic diseases, including systemic lupus erythematosus, psoriatic arthritis, polymyalgia rheumatica (PMR), giant cell arteritis, ankylosing spondylitis, and Sjögren's syndrome, and to provide an overall estimate of the risk of developing inflammatory autoimmune rheumatic disease over a lifetime.

METHODS

Using the incidence rates obtained from our population-based studies of rheumatic diseases among residents of Olmsted County, Minnesota, and mortality rates from life tables for the general population, we estimated the sex-specific lifetime risk of rheumatic disease.

RESULTS

The lifetime risk of RA developing in US adults was 3.6% for women and 1.7% for men, and the lifetime risk of rheumatoid factor-positive RA was 2.4% for women and 1.1% for men. The second most common inflammatory autoimmune rheumatic disease was PMR, with a lifetime risk of 2.4% for women and 1.7% for men. The overall lifetime risk of inflammatory autoimmune rheumatic disease was 8.4% for women and 5.1% for men.

CONCLUSION

One in 12 women and 1 in 20 men will develop an inflammatory autoimmune rheumatic disease during their lifetime. These results can serve as useful guides in counseling patients regarding their lifetime risk of these conditions and have important implications regarding disease awareness campaigns.

Idiopathic inflammatory myopathies: current trends in pathogenesis, clinical features, and up-to-date treatment recommendations

Recently, there have been important advances in the understanding of the pathophysiologic features, assessment, and management of patients with a newly diagnosed idiopathic inflammatory myopathy (IIM). Myositis-specific autoantibodies have been identified to define patient subgroups and offer prognostic implications. Similarly, proinflammatory cytokines, such as interleukin 6 and type 1 interferon-dependent genes, may serve as potential biomarkers of disease activity in adult and juvenile patients with dermatomyositis (DM). Moreover, magnetic resonance imaging has become an important modality for the assessment of muscle inflammation in adult IIM and juvenile DM. Immune-mediated necrotizing myopathies also are being recognized as a subset of IIM triggered by medications such as statins. However, confusion exists regarding effective management strategies for patients with IIM because of the lack of large-scale, randomized, controlled studies. This review focuses primarily on our current management and treatment algorithms for IIM including the care of pediatric patients with juvenile DM. For this review, we conducted a search of PubMed and MEDLINE for articles published from January 1, 1970, to December 1, 2011, using the following search terms: idiopathic inflammatory myopathies, dermatomyositis, polymyositis, juvenile dermatomyositis, sporadic inclusion body myositis, inclusion body myositis, inflammatory myositis, myositis, myopathies, pathogenesis, therapy, and treatment. Studies published in English were selected for inclusion in our review as well as additional articles identified from bibliographies.

Disease severity and therapy as predictors of cardiovascular risk in psoriasis: a population-based cohort study

BACKGROUND

Previous studies suggest an increased risk of cardiovascular disease in psoriasis, but the relative contributions of traditional risk factors and markers of disease severity are unclear. We examined the effect of psoriasis disease characteristics on cardiovascular risk after adjusting for traditional cardiovascular risk factors.

METHODS

Study populations included (a) case-cohort sample of 771 patients nested within a population-based psoriasis incidence cohort, and (b) cohort of 1905 patients with incident and prevalent psoriasis patients. Both cohorts were followed-up to ascertain disease and treatment characteristics, traditional cardiovascular risk factors and cardiovascular outcomes. Cox proportional hazards regression models were used to identify predictors of cardiovascular outcomes.

RESULTS

After adjusting for traditional risk factors, increasing number of psoriasis-affected body sites at disease onset (HR: 1.53 per additional site, 95% CI: 1.20, 1.95) was significantly associated with an increased risk of cardiovascular outcomes. Phototherapy (HR: 3.76, 95% CI: 2.45, 5.77) and systemic therapy (HR: 2.17, 95% CI: 1.50, 3.13) were associated with a higher risk of cardiovascular outcomes in univariate analyses, but these relatively strong associations disappeared after adjusting for cardiovascular risk factors.

CONCLUSIONS

Increasing number of psoriasis-affected body sites may be a severity indicator in psoriasis and is associated with an increased cardiovascular risk. Due to low number of patients exposed to systemic therapy, this study had limited power to examine the effect of treatment on cardiovascular risk. Strong associations with phototherapy and systemic therapy suggest that the cardiovascular risk in psoriasis is confined to patients with severe disease.