Prognostic factors in polymyositis/dermatomyositis. A computer-assisted analysis of ninety-two cases

Autoimmune myopathies: autoantibodies, phenotypes and pathogenesis

The different autoimmune myopathies-for example, dermatomyositis, polymyositis, and immune-mediated necrotizing myopathies (IMNM)-have unique muscle biopsy findings, but they also share specific clinical features, such as proximal muscle weakness and elevated serum levels of muscle enzymes. Furthermore, around 60% of patients with autoimmune myopathy have been shown to have a myositis-specific autoantibody, each of which is associated with a distinct clinical phenotype. The typical clinical presentations of the autoimmune myopathies are reviewed here, and the different myositis-specific autoantibodies, including the anti-synthetase antibodies, dermatomyositis-associated antibodies, and IMNM-associated antibodies, are discussed in detail. This Review also focuses on a newly recognized form of IMNM that is associated with statin use and the production of autoantibodies that recognize 3-hydroxy-3-methylglutaryl-coenzyme A reductase, the pharmacological target of statins. The contribution of interferon signaling to the development of dermatomyositis and the potential link between malignancies and the initiation of autoimmune myopathies are also assessed.

Longterm survival and associated risk factors in patients with adult-onset idiopathic inflammatory myopathies and amyopathic dermatomyositis: experience in a single institute in Japan

OBJECTIVE

To analyze clinical characteristics, survival, causes of death, and risk factors associated with mortality in patients with adult-onset idiopathic inflammatory myopathies (IIM) in Japan.

METHODS

We retrospectively investigated 197 patients diagnosed with adult-onset IIM at our hospital from 1984 to 2009 according to Bohan and Peter criteria for polymyositis (PM)/dermatomyositis (DM) and modified Sontheimer's criteria for clinically amyopathic DM (ADM).

RESULTS

Survival in the whole group at 1, 5, and 10 years was 85%, 75%, and 67%, respectively. Mortality in cancer-associated myositis was the worst (25% at 5 yrs), followed by clinically ADM (61% at 5 yrs) and primary DM (77% at 5 yrs). Primary DM had significantly low survival compared to primary PM (91% at 5 yrs; p = 0.0427). Among the 53 patients who died were 6 patients with ADM (11%) and 20 patients with primary DM (38%). Interstitial lung disease (ILD) was the main cause of death in clinically ADM (71%) and primary DM (60%), most of which occurred within the first few months. Fewer patients died in primary PM (9%) and overlap myositis (13%). Independent risk factors for death were older age (HR 1.031; 95% CI 1.009-1.053) and skin ulcers (HR 3.018; 95% CI 1.340-6.796) in the whole group and ILD with mild serum creatine kinase levels (< 500 IU/l; HR 3.537; 95% CI 1.260-9.928) in primary DM.

CONCLUSION

Survival of clinically ADM and primary DM was low, mainly due to fatal ILD, compared to primary PM. Establishing therapeutic strategy for ILD may improve the survival in our patient population.

Clinical cardiac involvement in idiopathic inflammatory myopathies: a systematic review

BACKGROUND

Idiopathic inflammatory myopathies (IIM) presenting with diffuse skeletal muscular inflammation and cardiac involvement is one of the major causes of clinical deterioration. Our purpose was to observe the frequency of various reported clinical cardiac afflictions, cardiovascular mortality and its most important contributors in the IIM population.

METHODS

MEDLINE database was searched from 1977 through 2009. Articles reporting objective evidence of cardiac involvement were assessed. Patients were included if they satisfied Bohan and Peter criteria for definite or probable diagnosis of IIM. The review conforms to the criteria of the new PRISMA statement of preferred reporting items for systematic reviews and meta-analyses.

RESULTS

Thirty-three out of 90 articles reported cardiac data. Twelve were case reports, while 21 articles were either cohort studies or case series. Angina was reported in 7% of cumulative prospective cohort. Dysrhythmias were seen in 31.8% of electrocardiograms. Diastolic dysfunction was the most common echocardiographic finding. Congestive heart failure was reported in 5.6% of the prospective cohort and was the most common cause of death accounting for 21% of total cardiac mortality. Myocarditis was the most common feature in reported pathology literature (38%), followed by focal myocardial fibrosis (22%).

CONCLUSION

Cardiac involvement is an important cause of morbidity and mortality in patients with IIM. Myocardial fibrosis puts the patient at risk for systolic or diastolic heart failure and dysrhythmias. This review, therefore, suggests the importance of early and comprehensive cardiac evaluation in IIM population. Confirmation of these findings will require prospective studies of consecutive patients with long-term follow-up.

[Idiopathic inflammatory myopathies with anti-PM-Scl antibodies: case series and literature review]

PURPOSE

The objectives of this study were to evaluate: (1) the prevalence of anti-PM-Scl antibodies within the framework of antinuclear antibodies detection; and (2) the clinical features and outcome of patients with isolated polymyositis/dermatomyositis.

METHODS

Nine thousand and sixty-four consecutive antinuclear testing data allowed us to evaluate anti-PM-Scl antibody prevalence. Second, we also assessed the characteristics of patients with isolated dermatomyositis/polymyositis and associated anti-PM-Scl antibody.

RESULTS

Over 9064 consecutive antinuclear samples tested for antinuclear antibodies, 3263 (36%) were positive; anti-PM-Scl antibody were positive in nine patients: 0.1% of all sera, 0.2% of sera positive for antinuclear antibodies, 1.2% of sera positive for anti-ENA antibodies. Four of the nine patients with anti-PM-Scl antibody had dermatomyositis (n=3) and polymyositis (n=1). Patients with dermatomyositis/polymyositis and anti-PM-Scl antibody exhibited severe complications, as follows: ventilatory insufficiency (n=2) requiring mechanical ventilation in one case, esophageal involvement requiring enteral feeding (n=1); also, two of these patients had cancer.

CONCLUSION

Our case series suggests that the presence of anti-PM-Scl antibody is not a favorable prognostic factor in patients with dermatomyositis/polymyositis. This type of antibody appears to be associated with lung and esophageal involvement; in addition, anti-PM-Scl antibody may co-exist with malignancy in PM/DM patients. Taken together, we suggest that patients with dermatomyositis/polymyositis and anti-PM-Scl antibody require both initial evaluation for lung/digestive manifestations and cancer and close surveillance.

Clinical characteristics and outcomes of patients with idiopathic inflammatory myopathies from Jordan 1996-2009

To describe demographic characteristics, clinical features and outcome of Jordanian patients with idiopathic inflammatory myopathies (IIM), a retrospective chart review of all patients diagnosed with IIM at Jordan University Hospital between 1996 and 2009 was carried out. Thirty patients with IIM were identified. Female to male ratio was 1.7:1, with mean age at diagnosis 34.3 ± 9.2 (10-72) years with bimodal presentation at 21 and 49 years and a mean follow-up of 6.5 ± 5.7 years. Eleven patients had polymyositis (PM); 19 patients had dermatomyositis (DM); 1 patient had DM with malignancy; 2 patients had juvenile DM; and 2 patients had DM/PM with other rheumatologic diseases. Raynaud's phenomenon was present in 26% of patients, dysphagia in 40%, fever in 16%, arthralgia/arthritis in 26%, and dyspnea was present in 26% patients. Positive muscle biopsy and EMG were present in 81% and 92% of patients, respectively. Elevated serum creatinine kinase (CK), AST/ALT and LDH were found in 90%, 72%, and 88% of patients at presentation, respectively. Interstitial fibrosis identified on high-resolution computed tomography (HRCT) was found in 7/14 (50%) patients. Restrictive lung disease was present in 16/21 (76%), low diffusion capacity of lung of carbon monoxide (DLCO) in 10/17 (59%) and pulmonary hypertension in only 3/19 (16%) patients tested. Arab Jordanian patients with IIM showed very low prevalence of malignancy, lower mean age than previous reports, and similar other clinical, laboratory and serologic markers, and survival rate to previous reports. Of interest, we found that extra-muscular manifestations were mainly associated with dermatomyositis.

Review article: the gastrointestinal complications of myositis

BACKGROUND

The inflammatory myopathies are a group of acquired diseases characterized by a proximal myopathy caused by an inflammatory infiltrate of the skeletal muscle. The three major diseases are dermatomyositis, polymyositis and inclusion body myositis.

AIMS

To review the gastrointestinal manifestations of myositis.

METHODS

Over 110 articles in the English literature were reviewed.

RESULTS

Dysphagia to solids and liquids occurs in patients with myositis. The pharyngo-oesophageal muscle tone is lost and therefore patients develop nasal speech, hoarseness, nasal regurgitation and aspiration pneumonia. There is tongue weakness, flaccid vocal cords, poor palatal motion and pooling of secretions in the distended hypopharynx. Proximal oesophageal skeletal muscle dysfunction is demonstrated by manometry with low amplitude/absent pharyngeal contractions and decreased upper oesophageal sphincter pressures. Patients exhibit markedly elevated creatine kinase and lactate dehydrogenase levels consistent with muscle injury. Myositis can be associated with inflammatory bowel disease, coeliac disease and interferon treatment of hepatitis C. Corticosteroids and other immunosuppressive drugs comprise the mainstay of treatment. Inclusion body myositis responds poorly to these agents and therefore a myotomy is usually indicated.

CONCLUSION

Myositis mainly involves the skeletal muscles in the upper oesophagus with dysphagia, along with proximal muscle weakness.

[Clinical manifestations]

Idiopathic inflammatory myopathies are a group of autoimmune diseases that characteristically affect striated muscle. Nevertheless their spectrum of manifestations is very broad, not only muscular. This chapter describes both muscular and extramuscular manifestations of inflammatory myopathies.

Oropharyngeal dysphagia as dominant and life-threatening symptom in dermatomyositis

BACKGROUND

Dysphagia can be a serious problem in patients with inflammatory myopathies. It may be associated with nutritional deficit, aspiration pneumonia, and poor prognosis.

CASE REPORT

We presented a 60-year-old male, suffering from difficulty in swallowing, pain and weaknes in the proximal parts of his extremities, and skin manifestation. Laboratory findings showed increased creatine kinase and aldolase. Antinuclear antibodies to HEP-2 subtrate revealed titer of 1:40. Electromyoneurography demonstrated evidence of a proximal myopathy. A muscle biopsy revealed myositis. The baruim swallow test was remarkable for regurgitation, and nasal emerging of barium. Nuclear magnetic resonance images of cranium was normal. Tumor markers CEA, and Ca 19-9 were increased. A dose of 1 mg daily prednisolone was administered and percutaneous enteral feeding was performed. Two months later, the patient developed febrile state, aspiration pneumonia, and died due to respiratory failure.

CONCLUSION

In cases of dermatomyositis with the serious dysphagia, percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy should be performed as soon as possible. Overall survival rate is low, even with an adequate therapy administration. Inflammatory myopathies should be considered in any patient with oropharyngeal dysphagia.

Characterization and peripheral blood biomarker assessment of anti-Jo-1 antibody-positive interstitial lung disease

OBJECTIVE

Using a combination of clinical, radiographic, functional, and serum protein biomarker assessments, this study was aimed at defining the prevalence and clinical characteristics of interstitial lung disease (ILD) in a large cohort of patients with anti-Jo-1 antibodies.

METHODS

A review of clinical records, pulmonary function test results, and findings on imaging studies determined the existence of ILD in anti-Jo-1 antibody-positive individuals whose data were accumulated in the University of Pittsburgh Myositis Database from 1982 to 2007. Multiplex enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays (ELISAs) for serum inflammation markers, cytokines, chemokines, and matrix metalloproteinases in different patient subgroups were performed to assess the serum proteins associated with anti-Jo-1 antibody-positive ILD.

RESULTS

Among the 90 anti-Jo-1 antibody-positive individuals with sufficient clinical, radiographic, and/or pulmonary function data, 77 (86%) met the criteria for ILD. While computed tomography scans revealed a variety of patterns suggestive of underlying usual interstitial pneumonia (UIP) or nonspecific interstitial pneumonia, a review of the histopathologic abnormalities in a subset of patients undergoing open lung biopsy or transplantation or whose lung tissue was obtained at autopsy (n = 22) demonstrated a preponderance of UIP and diffuse alveolar damage. Analysis by multiplex ELISA yielded statistically significant associations between anti-Jo-1 antibody-positive ILD and elevated serum levels of C-reactive protein (CRP), CXCL9, and CXCL10, which distinguished this disease entity from idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis and anti-signal recognition particle antibody-positive myositis. Recursive partitioning further demonstrated that combinations of these and other serum protein biomarkers can distinguish these disease subgroups at high levels of sensitivity and specificity.

CONCLUSION

In this large cohort of anti-Jo-1 antibody-positive individuals, the incidence of ILD approached 90%. Multiplex ELISA demonstrated disease-specific associations between anti-Jo-1 antibody-positive ILD and serum levels of CRP as well as the interferon-gamma-inducible chemokines CXCL9 and CXCL10, highlighting the potential of this approach to define biologically active molecules contributing to the pathogenesis of myositis-associated ILD.

[Dermatomyositis]

Dermatomyositis is a form of idiopathic inflammatory myopathy that involves skeletal muscle and skin. The objectives of this review are to briefly describe the cutaneous manifestations of the disease, to raise some questions still debated about amyopathic dermatomyositis, and to reflect current knowledge of an interesting aspect in dermatomyositis as it is the risk to develop malignancy. Although clear evidence for a significant dermatomyositis-cancer association exists, optimal clinical or biological factors that predict an association with cancer have not been identified. Recently, some specific autoantibodies in dermatomyositis have been shown to be associated with internal malignancy. They open up the possibility to have available serological markers for detecting cancer-associated myositis in the near future.

Long-term outcome of patients with polymyositis/ dermatomyositis and anti-PM-Scl antibody

BACKGROUND

To date, no series has analysed long-term outcome in patients with polymyositis/dermatomyositis (PM/DM) with anti-PM-Scl antibody.

OBJECTIVES

The aims of the present study were: (i) to assess clinical features and long-term outcome, including organ complications, functional course and mortality rate, in patients with isolated PM/DM with anti-PM-Scl antibody; and (ii) to evaluate prevalence, characteristics and long-term outcome of interstitial lung disease (ILD) in patients with isolated PM/DM with anti-PM-Scl antibody.

METHODS

The medical records of 20 consecutive patients with isolated PM/DM with anti-PM-Scl antibody were reviewed.

RESULTS

Two patients (10%) achieved remission of PM/DM, whereas 14 (70%) improved and four (20%) had a worsened clinical status. Short-term recurrences (during tapering of therapy) occurred in nine patients and long-term recurrences (after discontinuation of therapy) in three patients. Moreover, patients with PM/DM with anti-PM-Scl antibody exhibited severe complications, as follows: oesophageal involvement (n = 4) requiring enteral feeding in three cases, ventilatory insufficiency (n = 3) requiring mechanical ventilation in two cases; three other patients had cancer. Interestingly, patients with PM/DM with anti-PM-Scl antibody often presented symptoms that are usually found in antisynthetase syndrome, i.e. hyperkeratotic rhagadiform hand symptoms (n = 2; 10%), Raynaud's phenomenon (n = 8; 40%), arthralgia/arthritis (n = 7; 35%) and ILD (n = 12; 60%). In our cohort, the associated ILD often required combined therapy of steroids and immunosuppressive agents.

CONCLUSIONS

Our series suggests that the presence of anti-PM-Scl antibody is not a good prognostic factor in patients with PM/DM, as there appears to be an association with lung and oesophageal involvement; in addition, anti-PM-Scl antibody may coexist with malignancy in patients with PM/DM. Furthermore, anti-PM-Scl antibody-positive patients with PM/DM often exhibit 'mechanic's hands', Raynaud's phenomenon and joint involvement. Our latter findings raise the possibility that the immunogenetic background influences the autoantibody status of these patients; HLA-DR3 has, in fact, been found in association with antisynthetase syndrome antibodies and with anti-PM-Scl antibodies.

Idiopathic inflammatory myopathies

The idiopathic inflammatory myopathies are a group of systemic autoimmune syndromes characterized by striated muscle inflammation. Here, we discuss the clinical features of this group of conditions and review the recent developments in the understanding of the pathogenesis and immunogenetics of the idiopathic inflammatory myopathies. The role of myositis-specific autoantibodies and their clinical significance and an overview of management are also provided.

Clinical characteristics and outcomes of juvenile and adult dermatomyositis

Dermatomyositis (DM) is an idiopathic inflammatory myopathy with bimodal onset age distribution. The age of onset is between 5-18 yr in juvenile DM and 45-64 yr in adult DM. DM has a distinct clinical manifestation characterized by proximal muscle weakness, skin rash, extramuscular manifestations (joint contracture, dysphagia, cardiac disturbances, pulmonary symptoms, subcutaneous calcifications), and associated disorders (connective tissue disease, systemic autoimmune diseases, malignancy). The pathogenesis of juvenile and adult DM is presumably similar but there are important differences in some of the clinical manifestations, associated disorders, and outcomes. In this study, we investigated the clinical characteristics and outcomes of 16 patients with juvenile DM and 48 with adult DM. This study recognizes distinctive characteristics of juvenile DM such as higher frequency of neck muscle involvement, subcutaneous calcifications, and better outcomes.

Survival, mortality and causes of death in inflammatory myopathies

OBJECTIVE

To investigate the causes of death, survival and clinical factors associated with mortality, in a group of Spanish patients with inflammatory myopathies (IM) followed in the same University Hospital during a 25 year period.

METHODS

A cross sectional study was performed, including 107 patients diagnosed with IM according to the Bohan and Peter criteria. Demographical and clinical information were extracted from the charts. Bivariate odds ratio with 95% confidence interval (CI) was used to measure the strength of association between variables. Kaplan-Meyer analysis was used to estimate survival. Univariate and multivariate Cox regression analysis were used to study clinical associations with mortality.

RESULTS

Twenty-eight patients (26%) died. Deaths were considered to be disease related in 21 cases. Main causes of death were cancer extension, cardiac involvement and lung involvement. Survival for the whole group was 92, 80 and 71% after 1, 5 and 10 years, respectively. By the log rank test, survival was lower for patients with cancer (p = 0.0001) as well as in those with cardiac involvement (p < 0.00001), compared to patients without these conditions. Cox univariate analysis showed that mortality was associated with higher age at IM onset, left ventricular dysfunction, the presence of cancer and the smoking habit. In Cox multivariate analysis, only left ventricular dysfunction (HR = 4.6; 95%CI 2.0-10.3; p > 0.0001) and the presence of cancer (HR = 3.3; 95%CI 1.4-7.4; p = 0.005) remained associated with mortality.

CONCLUSIONS

Although a great improvement has been achieved in the last decades in controlling IM, our study indicates that the mortality rate in this group of patients remains high. Cancer and cardiac involvement are important causes of death, and also prognostic factors for mortality in our group of patients. A careful search for cardiac involvement should be done in every patient with IM.

Distribution and severity of weakness among patients with polymyositis, dermatomyositis and juvenile dermatomyositis

OBJECTIVE

To describe the distribution and severity of muscle weakness using manual muscle testing (MMT) in 172 patients with PM, DM and juvenile DM (JDM). The secondary objectives included characterizing individual muscle group weakness and determining associations of weakness with functional status and myositis characteristics in this large cohort of patients with myositis.

METHODS

Strength was assessed for 13 muscle groups using the 10-point MMT and expressed as a total score, subscores based on functional and anatomical regions, and grades for individual muscle groups. Patient characteristics and secondary outcomes, such as clinical course, muscle enzymes, corticosteroid dosage and functional status were evaluated for association with strength using univariate and multivariate analyses.

RESULTS

A gradient of proximal weakness was seen, with PM weakest, DM intermediate and JDM strongest among the three myositis clinical groups (P < or = 0.05). Hip flexors, hip extensors, hip abductors, neck flexors and shoulder abductors were the muscle groups with the greatest weakness among all three clinical groups. Muscle groups were affected symmetrically.

CONCLUSIONS

Axial and proximal muscle impairment was reflected in the five weakest muscles shared by our cohort of myositis patients. However, differences in the pattern of weakness were observed among all three clinical groups. Our findings suggest a greater severity of proximal weakness in PM in comparison with DM.

The treatment and prognosis of dermatomyositis: an updated review

Dermatomyositis (DM) is an idiopathic inflammatory myopathy. The mainstay of treatment for DM is oral corticosteroids. However, the dose and length of treatment is debated. Adding to the confusion, there have been no randomized controlled studies comparing the use of various corticosteroid doses and taper rates, and no controlled long-term studies assessing the hypothesis that, unlike systemic lupus erythematous, patients with DM can often achieve long-term remission off therapy. This literature review supports an approach that prednisone should be started at about 1 mg/kg/d, which is then tapered slowly based on the response. As patients respond differently to prednisone, additional therapies may be necessary. When to initiate these therapies requires clinical judgment. In addition, as we learn more about the pathophysiology of DM, newer medications that target specific mechanisms in the immune response may help us better treat the disease. Evidence-based data with long-term follow-up will allow for selection of the best treatment to maximize long-term remission, not simply short-term lowering of the systemic corticosteroid dose.

[Disease course, frequency of relapses and survival of patients with juvenile or adult dermatomyositis]

INTRODUCTION

The idiopathic inflammatory myopathies are systemic autoimmune diseases characterized by chronic muscle inflammation resulting progressive weakness and frequent involvement of internal organs, mainly the pulmonary, gastrointestinal and cardiac systems.

OBJECTIVE

To present clinical characteristics, disease course, frequency of relapses and survival of 79 patients with juvenile or adult dermatomyositis.

METHODS

A national registry of patients with juvenile dermatomyositis was elaborated by the authors in Hungary. The authors summarize data of the register such as signs and symptoms, disease course, frequency of relapses and survival of patients with juvenile dermatomyositis. Analysis was performed using data of 44 patients diagnosed between 1976 and 2004 according to Bohan and Peter's criteria. Survival probability was calculated by Kaplan-Meier method. Data of patients with juvenile dermatomyositis were compared with data of 35 patients with adult dermatomyositis.

RESULTS

In view of the disease course, the authors found that more than the half of patients have monophasic disease, while one third of them suffered from polycyclic disease. The risk of the relapse was found to be higher during the first year after the remission. None of the juvenile patients died. Among adult patients, 4 disease-specific deaths occurred.

DISCUSSION

There was no correlation between relapse free survival and initial therapeutic regimen. Many of the patients had polycyclic or chronic disease. As relapses can occur after a prolonged disease-free interval, patients should be followed up for at least 2 years. Despite favourable survival probability, further investigations are needed to assess functional outcome.

Two distinct clinical types of interstitial lung disease associated with polymyositis-dermatomyositis

Most patients with interstitial lung disease (ILD) associated with collagen vascular diseases (CVD) have a chronic indolent course with a relatively favorable prognosis; however, acute progression has been reported in some polymyositis-dermatomyositis patients. This study evaluated the prevalence, clinical features, and outcome relative to the presentation type of ILD in polymyositis-dermatomyositis (PM-DM). Ninety-nine patients with newly diagnosed polymyositis-dermatomyositis seen at the Asan Medical Center in Korea between January 1990 and December 2004 were enrolled. The clinical, radiological, and pathological findings were retrospectively reviewed. ILD were divided into acute (dyspnea within 1 month before diagnosis) or chronic types. ILD was found on chest radiographs in 33 patients (33.3%), and 11 (33.3%) of these were considered acute. The acute group presented with more severe respiratory symptoms, hypoxemia, and poorer lung function. Patients with an acute presentation had ground glass opacity and consolidation on high-resolution computed tomography (HRCT), in contrast to reticulation and honeycombing in the chronic type. Surgical lung biopsy of one acute-type patient revealed diffuse alveolar damage, whereas biopsies in the chronic type showed usual interstitial pneumonia (UIP) in four cases and nonspecific interstitial pneumonia (NSIP) in another four. Eight acute-type patients (72.7%) died of respiratory failure within 1-2 months despite steroid therapy. The 3-year mortality rate of the chronic-type patients (21.2%) was not statistically significantly different from that of the patients without ILD (10.2%). In polymyositis-dermatomyositis, the acute, severe form of ILD was not infrequent.

Dysphagia in inflammatory myopathy: clinical characteristics, treatment strategies, and outcome in 62 patients

OBJECTIVE

To assess the clinical characteristics, treatment, and outcome of patients with inflammatory myopathy-associated dysphagia.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

We retrospectively reviewed the medical records of all patients with inflammatory myopathy-associated dysphagia seen at the Mayo Clinic in Rochester, Minn, between January 1, 1997, and December 31, 2001.

RESULTS

A total of 783 patients were diagnosed as having inflammatory myopathy during the 5-year study period. Of these, 62 patients (41 women and 21 men; mean age, 68.6 years) had inflammatory myopathy-associated dysphagia: 26 with inclusion body myositis (IBM), 18 with dermatomyositis, 9 with polymyositis, and 9 with overlap syndrome. Dysphagia was a presenting symptom in 13 patients (21%), with the highest incidence in the IBM group. Videofluoroscopic examinations revealed pharyngeal pooling and impaired oropharyngeal and cricopharyngeal function. The benefits of swallowing compensation techniques and exercises were difficult to establish. Interventional procedures were performed in 24 patients (39%) and most frequently (62%) in patients with IBM, with cricopharyngeal myotomy being most beneficial. Patients with IBM had the least symptomatic improvement. Overall, 11 patients died during the median follow-up of 38 months, with respiratory failure due to aspiration pneumonia as the most common cause. Mortality was high in patients who required percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy (7/11, 64%), and 1- year mortality was highest (31%) in those with dermatomyositis.

CONCLUSION

Dysphagia is a serious and at times presenting problem in patients with inflammatory myopathy. It occurs most frequently and appears to be most refractory in patients with IBM. The mortality rate was high in patients who required percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy, and the 1-year mortality rate was the highest in patients with dermatomyositis.

[A patient with interstitial pneumonia associated with dermatomyositis who relapsed after reducing cyclosporin-A treatment]

A 67-year-old female noticed dyspnea on exertion associated with the development of erythema in the eyelids and the bilateral fingers, and was admitted to our hospital on July 21, 2004. Proximal muscle weakness in the limbs, heliotrope rash, and Gottron's sign were observed, but the CK level was normal (194 U/l). All autoantibodies except for rheumatoid factor were negative. Hypoxemia and interstitial pneumonia on chest CT images were observed. Based on these findings, a diagnosis of advanced interstitial pneumonia associated with dermatomyositis was made. Combination immunosuppressive therapy was initiated with corticosteroid pulse therapy and cyclosporin-A (Cy-A), resulting in marked improvement. The Cy-A trough concentration was markedly high (456.4 ng/ml). When cytomegalovirus infection developed, the dose of Cy-A was reduced. Although the blood trough concentration of Cy-A was maintained at an adequately high level, the patient died of recurrence of rapidly progressive interstitial pneumonia. Careful observation is required when the dose of Cy-A is reduced for a patient with interstitial pneumonia associated with dermatomyositis. Furthermore, it is suggested that the trough concentration level of Cy-A is not always a useful parameter.

Unusually high frequency of autoantibodies to PL-7 associated with milder muscle disease in Japanese patients with polymyositis/dermatomyositis

OBJECTIVE

Autoantibodies to aminoacyl transfer RNA synthetases, such as histidyl (Jo-1), threonyl (PL-7), alanyl (PL-12), glycyl (EJ), and isoleucyl (OJ), are closely associated with a subset of patients with polymyositis/dermatomyositis (PM/DM) complicated by interstitial lung disease (ILD). Anti-Jo-1 is by far the most common, found in 15-25% of patients with PM/DM, whereas the other types are found in only approximately 3% of these patients. In this study, the clinical associations of these autoantibodies in Japanese patients with PM/DM were investigated.

METHODS

The diagnoses of PM/DM and amyopathic DM (ADM) were based on the Bohan and Peter criteria and Sontheimer's definition, respectively. Sera from 36 Japanese patients with PM/DM (13 with PM, 20 with DM, 3 with ADM) were screened by immunoprecipitation and by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (for Jo-1). Clinical and laboratory data were collected.

RESULTS

The frequencies of autoantibodies to Jo-1 (22%) and to EJ, OJ, and PL-12 (3-6%) were similar to those found in previous studies, including studies of Japanese subjects. However, anti-PL-7 was found in 17% of patients, in contrast to a frequency of 1-4% in previous studies (P < 0.02-0.0002). The 6 anti-PL-7-positive patients were not related, and no skewing in year or month of disease development, place of residence or work, or occupation was found. All patients had ILD, consistent with the clinical features of antisynthetase-positive patients. The patients with anti-PL-7 had lower serum muscle enzyme levels and milder muscle weakness (P < 0.05) compared with anti-Jo-1-positive patients.

CONCLUSION

Anti-PL-7 was found at an unusually high frequency in this group of Japanese patients with myositis. Although anti-PL-7, similar to anti-Jo-1, is associated with PM/DM with ILD, muscle involvement in the patients with anti-PL-7 appeared to be milder than that in the anti-Jo-1 subset.

Prognosis and mortality of polymyositis and dermatomyositis patients

The objective of this study was to assess the long-term outcome of polymyositis (PM) and dermatomyositis (DM) and the factors predictive of this outcome in a nationwide series in Finland. One hundred and seventy-six patients with PM and 72 patients with DM diagnosed in Finland in 1969-1985 were selected from the national hospital discharge register according to the diagnostic criteria of Bohan and Peter and followed up until death or till the end of August 1995. Gender, age, delay of therapy, serum creatine kinase, erythrocyte sedimentation rate, initial dose of corticosteroids and duration of cytostatic therapy were assessed as factors prognostic of death. The 5-year survival rate for PM was 75% [95% confidence interval (CI): 68-81%] and that for DM 63% (50-73%), and the respective 10-year survival rates were 55% (47-62%) and 53% (41-64%). The median survival for polymyositis was 11.0 years (95% CI: 9.5-13.3) and that for DM 12.3 years (5.5-20.7). The standardized mortality ratio for the combined group of PM and DM showed approximately threefold mortality compared to the general population. Compared to PM patients, the subjects with DM had a 1.47-fold (95% CI: 0.99-2.12) age- and sex-adjusted risk of mortality. Except for age in both groups and the delay in diagnosis in the PM group, no other individual factor reached significance as a predictor of death. However, cancer had a hazard ratio (HR) of 2.16 for death (95% CI: 0.95-4.50) in the DM group and 1.99 (95% CI: 1.01-3.94) in the PM group. A comparison of the causes of death in the PM and DM groups showed that the patients with DM had a greater risk of dying from cancer (age-adjusted HR 5.11, 95% CI: 2.31-11.3). According to this nationwide analysis of survival and its prognostic factors in patients with PM and DM, the latter group had an increased age-adjusted risk for mortality compared to the former. The difference seems to be mostly explained by the fact that the patients with DM had a higher risk of dying from cancer.

Characterization of relapses in adult idiopathic inflammatory myopathies

The objective of the current report was to determine the relapse rates and characterize the nature of relapses during the disease course of adult patients with idiopathic inflammatory myopathies (IIM). A retrospective cohort study of 53 medical records of patients with polymyositis (PM), dermatomyositis (DM), connective tissue disease (CTD)-associated myositis, and malignancy-associated myositis at an academic rheumatology center was performed. Medical records were reviewed to determine clinical presentation, initial treatment, and clinical follow-up, with an emphasis on relapses. Relapses were defined as a sustained elevation in serum creatine kinase (CK) levels in the absence of an alternative etiology. Patients were followed for an average of 65+/-43 months. All patients received corticosteroids, and 35 patients received additional immunosuppressive medications as part of their initial treatment. Serum CK levels normalized in 51 patients, and muscle strength normalized in 43 patients. Biochemical relapse was observed in 33 patients (65%). Patients with PM and CTD-associated myositis had a higher relapse rate compared to DM and malignancy-associated myositis patients. Multiple relapses were observed in 17 patients. Relapses tended to occur within the first 2 years after treatment initiation and during the tapering phase of treatment. No risk factors were unequivocally identified, although advanced age and increased duration of symptoms prior to treatment initiation had nonsignificant associations with increased risk of relapse. In conclusion, initial treatment of IIM results in a high rate of normalization of serum CK and muscle weakness. However, physicians should be aware of the high rate of relapse in patients with IIM.

Interstitial lung disease in polymyositis and dermatomyositis

PURPOSE OF REVIEW

The purpose of this review is to discuss current concepts regarding management of interstitial lung disease in polymyositis and dermatomyositis.

RECENT FINDINGS

Interstitial lung disease seems to be a more frequent manifestation in patients with polymyositis and dermatomyositis than previously reported. Modern technology, including high-resolution computerized tomography in combination with pulmonary function tests provides sensitive tools to detect early signs of interstitial lung disease. By systematic use of these investigations in newly diagnosed polymyositis and dermatomyositis, up to two thirds of patients were discovered to have signs of interstitial lung disease in a recent study. Clinical symptoms such as cough and dyspnea may not be sensitive enough to detect interstitial lung disease. Awareness of this complication in patients with myositis is important, because early diagnosis and management of interstitial lung disease may prevent development of chronic pulmonary fibrosis and thereby prolong patient survival and improve quality of life. Treatment recommendations of interstitial lung disease in polymyositis and dermatomyositis are still limited by absence of controlled trials and could only be based on experiences from small case series and case reports. At least some patients with interstitial lung disease improve with immunosuppressive treatment, but data are limited, and longitudinal studies are needed.

SUMMARY

Interstitial lung disease seems to be a common manifestation in patients with polymyositis and dermatomyositis already at diagnosis of the muscle disease. When present, interstitial lung disease has a major effect on morbidity and mortality and should be looked for in these patients using high-resolution computerized tomography and pulmonary function tests early in the disease course, because immunosuppressive treatment may change the course of the lung disease.

Interstitial lung disease in polymyositis and dermatomyositis

Interstitial lung disease occurs in approximately one-third of patients with polymyositis and dermatomyositis (PM/DM) and has an adverse effect on survival. It is commonly a component of early PM/DM and can precede the onset of muscle or skin disease. Its most common histopathology is nonspecific interstitial pneumonia. This is a more benign pattern, with respect to response to immunosuppression and also long-term survival, than the pattern of usual interstitial pneumonia seen in idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis. The clinical course of PM/DM lung disease is heterogeneous. Progressive and nonprogressive disease needs to be distinguished by clinical and physiologic monitoring to avoid over-treatment. Patients with ongoing functional deterioration mostly benefit from immunosuppression. The experience with corticosteroid monotherapy is discouraging but cyclophosphamide, given as daily oral or intravenous pulse therapy together with corticosteroids, was found to be beneficial in many patients. Other immunosuppressants may be of benefit as well, but the weight of the current evidence supports the use of cyclophosphamide first.

Diaphragmatic dysfunction in patients with idiopathic inflammatory myopathies

Polymyositis, dermatopolymyositis, and inclusion body myositis imply chronic inflammation of skeletal muscles. Pulmonary complications include aspiration pneumonia, interstitial pneumonitis, or respiratory muscle myositis. This study aims at better describing their impact on respiratory muscle. Twenty-three consecutive patients (12 PM, 5 DM, 6 IBM) were studied (static inspiratory and expiratory pressures; diaphragm function in terms of the mouth and transdiaphragmatic pressure responses to bilateral phrenic stimulation). Pulmonary parenchymatous abnormalities were mild (6 cases) or absent. The mouth pressure produced by phrenic stimulation was 6.83+/-3.01 cm H2O, with 18 patients (78%) diagnosed with diaphragm weakness (<10 cm H2O) and lower values in DM (4.35+/-1.48 cm H2O) than in IBM and in PM (P<0.05). Diaphragm weakness is frequent and probably overlooked in inflammatory myopathies. Further studies are needed to delineate the clinical relevance of these results.

Interstitial lung disease, a common manifestation of newly diagnosed polymyositis and dermatomyositis

OBJECTIVES

To estimate the prevalence and predictors of interstitial lung disease in newly diagnosed polymyositis and dermatomyositis.

METHODS

A prospective study in which consecutive patients with newly diagnosed poly- and dermatomyositis, regardless of clinical symptoms of pulmonary disease, were investigated with chest x ray, high resolution computed tomography (HRCT), pulmonary function tests, and biochemical and autoantibody analysis. Patients with inclusion body myositis, malignancy, other defined inflammatory connective tissue diseases (CTDs), or antibody profile indicating other CTDs were excluded.

RESULTS

Between March 1998 and September 2000, 26 new cases of poly- or dermatomyositis were diagnosed; 17 of those patients were included in the study. Interstitial lung disease (ILD), defined as radiological signs on chest x ray examination/HRCT or restrictive ventilatory defect, were found in 11 (65%) patients and were more common in men than in women. Arthritis and occurrence of anti-Jo-1 antibodies were found more often in patients with ILD than in those without. There was no statistically significant association between respiratory symptoms, other serological or laboratory variables and ILD.

CONCLUSIONS

ILD is a common early manifestation in patients with poly- and dermatomyositis and is not always related to clinical symptoms. Chest x ray examination, HRCT, pulmonary function tests, and analysis of anti-Jo-1 antibodies should be included in the initial investigation of patients with myositis regardless of respiratory symptoms.

Long-term survival of patients with idiopathic inflammatory myopathies according to clinical features: a longitudinal study of 162 cases

The idiopathic inflammatory myopathies are characterized by chronic muscle inflammation and involvement of internal organs, which contribute considerably to the morbidity and mortality of the disease. We conducted the current study to determine the survival data for patients with idiopathic inflammatory myopathies according to the presence of extramuscular clinical manifestations. We also determined the cumulative survival probability and the long-term prognosis and analyzed the causes of death at a single clinical immunology center.A survival analysis was performed using data for 162 patients diagnosed between 1976 and 1997 according to Bohan and Peter's criteria. Patients were followed up for a minimum of 5 years (median, 101.5 mo) or to date of death. Cumulative survival probability was calculated by the Kaplan-Meier method. The influence of extraskeletal and extramuscular involvement was analyzed as prognostic factors for death by Cox proportional hazards survival model. Eighteen disease-specific deaths occurred; pulmonary and cardiac complications were the most frequent causes of death. Global survival rates were 95%, 92%, and 89% for 1, 5, and 10 years, respectively. Analysis for clinicopathologic subgroups revealed that cancer-associated myositis had the worst prognosis, while juvenile and overlap myositis had the best prognosis. Five- and 10-year survival rates were 94.2% and 89.4% for patients with primary polymyositis and 90.1% and 86.4% for primary dermatomyositis patients, respectively. In the whole group of patients with idiopathic inflammatory myopathy, cardiac (p < 0.01) and respiratory muscle involvement (p = 0.045) were significant prognostic factors for death. In the group of patients with primary polymyositis/dermatomyositis, cardiac involvement was the main prognostic factor for death (p < 0.01). Myositis patients described in this study have higher survival rates than reported previously worldwide. We examine the reasons for the differences between the data in the current study and the available survival data in the relevant literature.

The effect of physical exercise following acute disease exacerbation in patients with dermato/polymyositis

OBJECTIVE

To study the effect of physical exercise shortly after an acute episode of dermato/polymyositis (DM/PM).

DESIGN

Pilot study of a descriptive nature.

SETTING

Rehabilitation unit of a large general hospital.

SUBJECTS

Ten patients 2-3 weeks after an acute phase of DM/PM (early recovery group) and 11 patients in the inactive stage of DM/PM for at least three months (chronic stage group).

INTERVENTIONS

Isotonic muscle training consisted of several series of different repeated movements at 65-70% of individual maximal repetition limit. Special training was applied for the respiratory muscles. Relaxing baths, mud packs and massages were also applied.

OUTCOME MEASURES

Dynamometer and spirometer were used for measuring the changes in muscle strength and respiratory function. Disability tests were done before and after therapy.

RESULTS

No disease relapses or decreases in muscle function were seen. In the early recovery group, the average muscle strength improvement was 17 +/- 31 % (p > 0.05) in the proximal muscles and 37 +/- 23% (p < 0.05) in the distal muscles, while the vital capacity also increased by 17 +/- 21% (p < 0.05). In the chronic stage group the average improvement in muscle strength was 46 +/- 34% (p < 0.05) in the proximal muscles and 37 +/- 29% (p < 0.05) in the distal muscles. By the end of the therapy both groups showed improvements in disability tests (p < 0.05).

CONCLUSIONS

Physical training started 2-3 weeks following an acute exacerbation of the disease seems to be useful and safe. Some improvement in muscle strength and respiratory function can be obtained, muscle atrophy due to inactivity may be partially prevented and the level of disability can be decreased.

Idiopathic inflammatory myopathy: management and prognosis

We are entering an exciting era in our understanding and management of the connective tissue diseases and, in particular, inflammatory myopathy. There is an established array of immunosuppressive regimens available to clinicians; rehabilitative and physical therapeutic interventions are evolving to provide many nonpharmacologic options to complement current therapy. Our ability to quantify [table: see text] the disease burden, using newly developed tools to distinguish myositis disease activity from disease damage, will allow us to measure with greater sensitivity the effects of treatment interventions. These measures, together with the development of international consensus regarding the standardization of many clinical trial design parameters, will enhance our capacity to conduct well-designed, prospective, multicenter studies of established and newly developed therapies. The explosion of immunopathogenetic information, in conjunction with novel biologic agents (Table 4), will afford investigators a treatment menu with multiple therapeutic options. The continuing challenge for the practitioner is the development of a logical, well-studied, multifaceted, and multidisciplinary holistic approach that optimizes the risk: benefit ratio for each individual patient and uses a rational combination of immunomodulatory agents in conjunction with ancillary measures.

Polymyositis and dermatomyositis associated with malignancy: a 30-year retrospective study

BACKGROUND

Polymyositis and dermatomyositis in association with malignancy are paraneoplastic syndromes, but the incidence, treatment and factors that predict associated cancer and its prognosis all remain unclear.

PATIENTS AND METHOD

During the 30-year period 1969-99, we treated 64 patients who had polymyositis (including two with cancer) and 28 patients who had dermatomyositis (including 10 with cancer). We compared the clinical findings of the patients who had cancer with the findings of those who did not have cancer.

RESULTS

The risk of cancer is significantly higher in dermatomyositis and somewhat higher in polymyositis. An increased cancer risk was found in male patients with dermatomyositis who were older than 50 years. Cancer was diagnosed within 4 years before or after the diagnosis of polymyositis or dermatomyositis, and usually within 1 year. An operation was not possible in many of the patients with cancer because of the advanced stage of the disease.

CONCLUSION

Our findings suggest that early discovery of malignancy is critical in cases of polymyositis and dermatomyositis.

Predicting factors of malignancy in dermatomyositis and polymyositis: a case-control study

BACKGROUND

An association between dermatomyositis (DM)/polymyositis (PM) and malignancies has been widely reported in the literature. The validity of extensive evaluation for malignancies in those patients has also been questioned for decades. Only limited papers regarding the signs of malignancy and the prognostic factors in DM/PM have been reported.

OBJECTIVES

To define the potential risk factors of concomitant neoplastic diseases in patients diagnosed as having DM/PM.

METHODS

From 1 April 1983 to 30 June 1999, 147 patients were diagnosed as having probable or definite DM/PM at the Veterans General Hospital, Taichung, Taiwan. We excluded four patients who had preceding neoplastic diseases diagnosed before DM/PM, then retrospectively reviewed the data of the remaining 143 patients and subgrouped the cases as four main types: primary idiopathic DM, primary idiopathic PM, juvenile DM/PM and amyopathic DM (ADM). We next performed univariate analysis using logistic regression to evaluate the possible predictive factors for malignancies, such as mean age at onset, gender, manifestations at onset, association with other connective tissue diseases, initial skin presentations, complications and laboratory data. Then we chose the significant factors for multivariate analysis by logistic regression, to determine the independent risk factors of malignancies in DM/PM patients.

RESULTS

Among the 143 patients, DM was the most common type (64%), followed by ADM (14%), juvenile DM/PM (13%) and PM (10%). The mean age at onset overall was 42.4 years. Other connective tissue diseases were present in 22% of all patients, especially PM (50%) and juvenile DM/PM patients (28%). Internal malignancies were present in 13% of patients, and most were associated with DM. Nasopharyngeal carcinomas (NPCs) were the most common tumours. Patients with primary idiopathic DM, with an older age at onset, higher serum creatine phosphokinase levels and male gender, had more chance of developing concomitant malignancies. Those associated with complications, especially interstitial lung diseases, had a lower risk of associated neoplasia. In multivariate analysis, an older age at onset (odds ratio 9.10) and male gender (odds ratio 4.06) were associated with greater risk of developing malignancies.

CONCLUSIONS

The two independent predictive factors for malignancy (P < 0.05) in patients with DM/PM were an older age at onset (> 45 years) and male gender. The primary idiopathic DM group was shown to have higher risk of developing internal malignancies, especially NPC. However, this was not identified as an independent predictive factor for concomitant neoplastic diseases in multivariate analysis. In addition, patients who had the complication of interstitial lung disease had a significantly lower frequency of malignancies (P < 0.001).

Autoantibody profiles in the sera of European patients with myositis

OBJECTIVE

To determine the prevalence of myositis specific autoantibodies (MSAs) and several myositis associated autoantibodies (MAAs) in a large group of patients with myositis.

METHODS

A total of 417 patients with myositis from 11 European countries (198 patients with polymyositis (PM), 181 with dermatomyositis (DM), and 38 with inclusion body myositis (IBM)) were serologically analysed by immunoblot, enzyme linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) and/or immunoprecipitation.

RESULTS

Autoantibodies were found in 232 sera (56%), including 157 samples (38%) which contained MSAs. The most commonly detected MSA was anti-Jo-1 (18%). Other anti-synthetase, anti-Mi-2, and anti-SRP autoantibodies were found in 3%, 14%, and 5% of the sera, respectively. A relatively high number of anti-Mi-2 positive PM sera were found (9% of PM sera). The most commonly detected MAA was anti-Ro52 (25%). Anti-PM/Scl-100, anti-PM/Scl-75, anti-Mas, anti-Ro60, anti-La, and anti-U1 snRNP autoantibodies were present in 6%, 3%, 2%, 4%, 5%, and 6% of the sera, respectively. Remarkable associations were noticed between anti-Ro52 and anti-Jo-1 autoantibodies and, in a few sera, also between anti-Jo-1 and anti-SRP or anti-Mi-2 autoantibodies.

CONCLUSIONS

The incidence of most of the tested autoantibody activities in this large group of European patients is in agreement with similar studies of Japanese and American patients. The relatively high number of PM sera with anti-Mi-2 reactivity may be explained by the use of multiple recombinant fragments spanning the complete antigen. Furthermore, our data show that some sera may contain more than one type of MSA and confirm the strong association of anti-Ro52 with anti-Jo-1 reactivity.