Clinical profiles and treatment outcomes of outpatients with interstitial lung disease and mechanic's hands: A retrospective and observational cohort.

Idiopathic inflammatory myopathies, especially antisynthetase syndrome, often appear outside of the muscles as interstitial lung disease (ILD). Another typical finding is the presence of mechanic's hands. The aim of the present study was to describe the clinical, functional, tomographic, and serological data of patients with ILD and mechanic's hands and their response to treatment and survival rates. This is a retrospective study of ILD with concurrent myopathy. Among the 119 patients initially selected, 51 had mechanic's hands. All the patients were screened for anti-Jo-1 antibodies. An expanded panel of myopathy autoantibodies was also performed in 27 individuals. Of the 51 patients, 35 had 1 or more antibodies. The most common were anti-Jo-1, anti-PL-7, and anti-PL-12, while of the associated antibodies, anti-Ro52 was present in 70% of the 27 tested individuals. A significant response to treatment was characterized by an increase in predicted forced vital capacity (FVC) of at least 5% in the last evaluation done after 6 to 24 months of treatment. A decrease in predicted FVC of at least 5%, the need for oxygen therapy, or death were all considered treatment failures. All patients were treated with corticosteroids, and 71% with mycophenolate. After 24 months, 18 patients had an increase in FVC, 11 had a decrease, and 22 remained stable. After a median follow-up of 58 months, 48 patients remained alive and three died. Patients with honeycombing on high-resolution chest tomography (log-rank = 34.65; P < .001) and a decrease in FVC ≥5% (log-rank = 18.28, P < .001) had a poorer survival rate. Patients with ILD and mechanic's hands respond well to immunosuppressive treatment.

Effect of atorvastatin on muscle tissues of dermatomyositis and antisynthetase syndrome patients with dyslipidemia.

INTRODUCTION: In a recent study, we have shown that atorvastatin is clinically safe for dermatomyositis (DM) and antisynthetase syndrome (ASS) patients with dyslipidemia. Herein, we showed in an unprecedented way, the safety of atorvastatin on the muscular tissues of these patients. METHODS: Transcriptome analysis was performed on samples of the vastus lateralis muscle obtained at baseline and after 12 weeks of atorvastatin (20 mg/day) intervention in DM or ASS patients with dyslipidemia [6DM and 5ASS received atorvastatin, and 2DM and 3ASS received placebo]. The results were analyzed considering differences in expression fold change before and after treatment. Histological and histochemical analyses were also performed. RESULTS: In both groups, no significant changes were observed in genes related to the mitochondrial, oxidative, insulin, lipid, and fibrogenic pathways. Histological analysis showed a slight variability in the fiber size that was preserved after the intervention. In addition, the mosaic of muscle fibers was preserved in the internal architecture of the fibers and all histological regions. No fiber necrosis or atrophy, focal failures, subsarcolemmal accumulation, lipids, areas of fibrosis, or alterations in mitochondrial activity were observed. All muscle fibers were labeled for MHC I. CONCLUSION: Atorvastatin did not promote significant changes in the expression of genes related to mitochondrial, oxidative, insulin, lipid, and fibrogenic pathways in the muscle tissues of DM and ASS patients with dyslipidemia. Atorvastatin did not also promote histological and histochemical changes in muscle tissues. Our results reinforce the safety of the administration of atorvastatin to treat dyslipidemia in patients with DM and ASS.

Unusual presentation of antisynthetase syndrome: a case series and review of the literature.

BACKGROUND: Antisynthetase syndrome is an inflammatory myopathy that is characterized by the presence of anti-aminoacyl-tRNA synthetase antibodies. Only 30% of those who suffer from the disease can be identified. We present three Hispanic cases of antisynthetase syndrome with unusual clinical pictures were extended myositis panel results enable disease diagnosis and treatment. CASE PRESENTATION: A 57-year-old Hispanic/Latino female with an erythematous scaly plaque, unresolved fever and non-immune haemolytic anaemia in whom inpatient work-up for fever of unknown origin was positive for anti-PL12 positive myositis extended panel. A 72-year-old Hispanic/Latino male with amyopathic weakness syndrome and mechanic hands in whom impatient work-up was relevant for proximal muscle uptake and anti-PM75 and AntiPL-12 myositis extended panel. And a 67-year-old Hispanic/Latino male with progressive interstitial lung disease and unresolved fever ended in myositis extended panel positive for antiPL-7. After systemic immunosuppressor treatment, patients had favourable clinical and paraclinical responses during outpatient follow-up. CONCLUSIONS: The high variability of the antisynthetase syndrome in these cases demonstrates the importance of identification through an expanded panel and highlights the probability that this is a variable disease and that we need to include emerging molecular tests to promote the timely treatment of patients.

Miositis viral aguda en un paciente pediátrico con Covid-19: a propósito de un caso / Acute viral myositis in a pediatric patient with Covid-19: about a case

Se presenta el reporte de un caso de miositis aguda en un niño de 4 años de edad con COVID-19. El paciente manifestó fiebre y dolor en ambas pantorrillas. Con sospecha de miositis se realizó análisis de CPK, encontrando valores de 4460 UI/L. Asimismo se realizó hisopado nasofaríngeo para SARS-CoV 2, confirmando la infección. El paciente recibió hiperhidratación, presentando resolución de su cuadro clínico en menos de 5 días

This case report describes a 4 year old child with COVID-19. He presented with fever and pain in both calves. Under the suspicion of myositis a CPK analysis was performed, which showed CPK: 4460 UI/L. Nasopharyngeal RT - PCR was also performed, which was positive. As a treatment, the patient received hyperhydration, achieving full recovery after five days

Gathering patients and rheumatologists' perceptions to improve outcomes in idiopathic inflammatory myopathies.

OBJECTIVE: Therapeutic targets in Idiopathic Inflammatory Myopathies (IIM) are based on the opinions of physicians/specialists, which may not reflect the main concerns of patients. The authors, therefore, assessed the outcome concerns of patients with IIM and compared them with the concerns of rheumatologists in order to develop an IIM outcome standard set. METHODS: Ninety-three IIM patients, 51 rheumatologists, and one physiotherapist were invited to participate. An open questionnaire was initially applied. The top 10 answers were selected and applied in a multiple-choice questionnaire, inquiring about the top 3 major concerns. Answers were compared, and the agreement rate was calculated. Concerns were gathered in an IIM outcome standard set with validated measures. RESULTS: The top three outcome concerns raised by patients were medication side effects/muscle weakness/prevention functionality loss. The top three concerns among rheumatologists were to prevent loss of functionality/to ensure the quality of life/to achieve disease remission. Other's outcomes concerns only pointed out by patients were muscle pain/diffuse pain/skin lesions/fatigue. The agreement rate between both groups was 41%. Assessment of these parameters guided the development of an IIM standard set which included Myositis Disease Activity Assessment Visual Analogue Scale/Manual Muscle Testing/fatigue and pain Global Visual Analogue Scale/Health Assessment Questionnaire/level of physical activity. CONCLUSION: The authors propose a novel standard set to be pursued in IIM routine follow-up, which includes not only the main patients/rheumatologist outcome concerns but also additional important outcomes only indicated by patients. Future studies are necessary to confirm if this comprehensive approach will result in improved adherence and ultimately in better assistance.

Miopatía necrotizante autoinmune: Presentación de un caso clínico / Autoimmune necrotizing myositis: Presentation of a clinical case

Las miopatías inflamatorias (MI) son un grupo heterogéneo de enfermedades musculares de rara ocurrencia, caracterizadas por inflamación de los distintos componentes del tejido muscular, ya sea de forma aislada o, más comúnmente, en el contexto de una afección sistémica. Las miopatías necrotizantes inmunomediadas (MNIM) constituyen un subtipo de miopatía inflamatoria caracterizada por debilidad muscular proximal, necrosis de miofibrillas con mínimo infiltrado celular inflamatorio en la biopsia muscular e infrecuente compromiso extramuscular asociado1. Si bien existen similitudes clínicas e histopatológicas, el espectro de las miopatías inflamatorias es considerablemente variable. Por este motivo, es fundamental realizar estudios complementarios para la identificación correcta del subtipo de MI a fin de determinar su pronóstico e implementar un adecuado tratamiento. Se presenta el caso de una paciente de 29 años, sin antecedentes personales y heredofamiliares de enfermedad autoinmune ni antecedentes patológicos relevantes, que consulta a la Guardia Médica de nuestra Institución por un cuadro de dolor e impotencia funcional en los cuatro miembros, con debilidad muscular a predominio de cintura escapular y en menor medida pelviana, acompañado de astenia, tendencia al sueño e hiporreactividad.

Inflammatory myopathies (IM) or myositis are a heterogeneous group of muscle diseases of rare occurrence. Such diseases are characterized by inflammation of the different components of muscle tissue, which can occur either in isolation or, more commonly, as part of a systemic disorder. Immune-mediated necrotizing myopathies (IMNM) are a type of autoimmune myopathy characterized by proximal muscle weakness, myofiber necrosis with minimal inflammatory cell infiltrate on muscle biopsy and infrequent extramuscular involvement1. Even though there are clinical and histopathological similarities. The spectrum of inflammatory myopathies is considerably variable. Therefore, the performance of complementary studies is essential for the proper identification of the IM subtype to contribute accurately on treatment so determine the better prognosis. The present article shows the case of a young 29 years old, with no personal and family history background of autoimmune disease and no relevant pathological background. The patient consulted the medical ward of the Institution with pain, functional impairment of upper and lower extremities, muscle weakness mainly located in the pectoral girdle area and, although to a lesser degree, in the pelvic girdle area. It was also associated with asthenia, tendency to drowsiness and hyporeactivity.

Rituximab for Inflammatory Myopathies in a Colombian Cohort.

INTRODUCTION/OBJECTIVES: Rituximab (RTX) is a treatment for refractory inflammatory myopathies, such as dermatomyositis (DM) and polymyositis (PM). This study describes the characteristics of patients receiving RTX for myositis in our institution to evaluate its efficacy. METHOD: We collected demographic data from all patients diagnosed with DM or PM who received RTX between 2011 and 2018. Clinical and serological variables (including creatine phosphokinase [CPK] levels) were analyzed. Remission of disease was defined as no evidence of disease activity (active myositis) for longer than a 6-month continuous period while undergoing myositis therapy or no medication. RESULTS: Eighteen patients who had received first-line immunosuppressants were included. Fifteen (83%) had DM, 2 (11%) had PM, 1 had juvenile dermatomyositis, and 14 (77%) were women. All patients received glucocorticoids. Three patients (16.6%) were treated with RTX as monotherapy, and 15 (83.3%) were treated with RTX combined with other immunosuppressants. On average, there were 2 RTX treatment cycles. Improved muscular weakness was found in 13 cases (72%), and improved serum CPK levels were found in 15 cases (83%). Twelve patients (66%) achieved remission. CONCLUSIONS: Most patients experienced an objective improvement, as reflected in their serum CPK values and degree of muscular weakness. This suggests that RTX could be helpful in treating refractory myositis.

[Pneumonia and benign acute myositis of childhood due to Mycoplasma pneu-moniae associated with encephalitis: A case report]. / Neumonía y miositis aguda benigna de la infancia por Mycoplasma pneumoniae asociado a encefalitis: reporte de caso.

One of the leading causes of pneumonia in children between 5 to 15 years is Mycoplasma pneumoniae, a bacterium that causes atypical clinical manifestations such as myositis and encephalitis. We report a 5-year-old girl who presented functional limitations of the lower extremities preceded by an upper respiratory infection. Later on, she developed pneumonia and encephalitis. Antibiotics and antivirals were administered due to the clinical deterioration of the patient. IgM serology for Mycoplasma pneumoniae was positive, while the other viral studies were negative. The clinical course was favorable with a progressive decrease in respiratory distress, sensorial disorder, and improvement in the functional limitations of the lower limbs after 15 days of treatment.

Una de las principales causas de neumonía en niños entre 5 y 15 años es el Mycoplasma pneumoniae, una bacteria que causa manifestaciones clínicas atípicas como la miositis y encefalitis. Reportamos un caso de una niña de cinco años que presentó limitación funcional en extremidades inferiores precedida por una infección respiratoria superior. Posteriormente, se complicó con neumonía y encefalitis. Se administraron antibióticos y antivirales debido al deterioro clínico del paciente. La serología de inmunoglobulinas para Mycoplasma pneumoniae fue positiva; mientras que los demás estudios virales fueron negativos. El curso clínico fue favorable con disminución progresiva de la dificultad respiratoria, trastorno del sensorio y mejoría en la limitación funcional en las extremidades inferiores a los 15 días de tratamiento.

Impact of diminazene aceturate on renin-angiotensin system, infectious myocarditis and skeletal myositis in mice: An in vitro and in vivo study.

Although renin-angiotensin system (RAS) imbalance is manifested in cardiomyopathies with different etiologies, the impact of RAS effectors on Chagas cardiomyopathy and skeletal myositis is poorly understood. Given that diminazene aceturate (DMZ) shares trypanocidal, angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (ACE2) and angiotensin-(1-7) stimulatory effects, we investigated the impact of DMZ on cardiomyocytes infection in vitro, renin-angiotensin system, Chagas cardiomyopathy and skeletal myositis in vivo. Cardiomyocytes and T. cruzi were used to evaluate DMZ toxicity in vitro. The impact of 20-days DMZ treatment (1 mg/kg) was also investigated in uninfected and T. cruzi-infected mice as follows: control uninfected and untreated, uninfected treated with DMZ, infected untreated and infected treated with DMZ. DMZ had low toxicity on cardiomyocytes, induced dose-dependent antiparasitic activity on T. cruzi trypomastigotes, and reduced parasite load but not infection rates in cardiomyocytes. DMZ increased ACE2 activity and angiotensin-(1-7) plasma levels but exerted no interference on angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) activity, ACE, ACE2 and angiotensin II levels in uninfected and infected mice. DMZ treatment also reduced IFN-γ and IL-2 circulating levels but was ineffective in attenuating parasitemia, MCP-1, IL-10, anti-T. cruzi IgG, nitrite/nitrate and malondialdehyde production, myocarditis and skeletal myositis compared to infected untreated animals. As the antiparasitic effect of DMZ in vitro did not manifest in vivo, this drug exhibited limited relevance to the treatment of Chagas disease. Although DMZ is effective in upregulating angiotensin-(1-7) levels, this molecule does not act as a potent modulator of T. cruzi infection, which can establish heart and skeletal muscle parasitism, lipid oxidation and inflammatory damage, even in the presence of high concentrations of this RAS effector.

Thioridazine aggravates skeletal myositis, systemic and liver inflammation in Trypanosoma cruzi-infected and benznidazole-treated mice.

While thioridazine (Tio) inhibits the antioxidant defenses of Trypanosoma cruzi, the gold standard antitrypanosomal drug benznidazole (Bz) has potent anti-inflammatory and pro-oxidant properties. The combination of these drugs has never been tested to determine the effect on T. cruzi infection. Thus, we compared the impact of Tio and Bz, administered alone and in combination, on the development of skeletal myositis and liver inflammation in T. cruzi-infected mice. Swiss mice were randomized into six groups: uninfected untreated, infected untreated, treated with Tio (80 mg/kg) alone, Bz (50 or 100 mg/kg) alone, or a combination of Tio and Bz. Infected animals were inoculated with a virulent T. cruzi strain (Y) and treated by gavage for 20 days. Mice untreated or treated with Tio alone developed the most intense parasitemia, highest parasitic load, elevated IL-10, IL-17, IFN-γ, and TNF-α plasma levels, increased N-acetylglucosaminidase and myeloperoxidase activity in the liver and skeletal muscle, as well as severe myositis and liver inflammation (P < 0.05). All parameters were markedly attenuated in animals receiving Bz alone (P < 0.05). However, the co-administration of Tio impaired the response to Bz chemotherapy, causing a decrease in parasitological control (parasitemia and parasite load), skeletal muscle and liver inflammation, and increased microstructural damage, when compared to the group receiving Bz alone (P < 0.05). Altogether, our findings indicated that Tio aggravates systemic inflammation, skeletal myositis and hepatic inflammatory damage in T. cruzi-infected mice. By antagonizing the antiparasitic potential of Bz, Tio limits the anti-inflammatory, myoprotectant and hepatoprotective effects of the reference chemotherapy, aggravating the pathological remodeling of both organs. As the interaction of T. cruzi infection, Bz and Tio is potentially toxic to the liver, inducing inflammation and microvesicular steatosis; this drug combination represents a worrying pharmacological risk factor in Chagas disease.

A prospective cross-sectional study of serum IL-17A in antisynthetase syndrome.

OBJECTIVES: The pro-inflammatory interleukin (IL)-17A serum has been characterized in several systemic autoimmune diseases, but not in antisynthetase syndrome (ASS). Therefore, the present study aims firstly to assess the serum level of the IL-17A in patients with ASS, comparing with healthy individuals, and secondly to analyze prospectively this IL in patients with refractory ASS undergoing rituximab treatment. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A cross-sectional, single-center study that included 64 patients with ASS who were age-, gender-, and ethnicity-matched to 64 healthy individuals. Disease status was measured by the International Myositis Assessment and Clinical Studies Group (IMACS) set scores. Secondarily, the patients with refractory disease treated with rituximab were prospectively followed for 12 months. The IL-17A was assessed by the ELISA method. RESULTS: The mean age of the patients was 44.8 ± 11.8 years, with a predominance of female gender and Caucasian. The median serum IL-17A level was higher in ASS patients compared with healthy individuals: 9.7 (9.1-10.4) vs. 7.7 (5.7-9.0) pg/mL, respectively, and P < 0.001. However, the demographical, clinical, and laboratory data indicates that disease status did not correlate with serum levels of the IL-17A in ASS patients. Prospectively, 16 patients received rituximab, and there was a drop of IL-17A serum level over the first year of treatment in these patients: from 9.7 (9.1-10.6) to 9.0 (8.2-9.7) pg/mL (P = 0.01). CONCLUSIONS: Our study demonstrated that patients with ASS have increased serum levels of the IL-17A compared with healthy controls. In addition, the patients with refractory ASS treated with rituximab showed a reduction of the serum levels of the IL-17A. Key Points • Patients with ASS have increased serum levels of the IL-17A. • Patients with refractory ASS treated with rituximab showed a reduction of the serum levels of the IL-17A.

Neumonía y miositis aguda benigna de la infancia por Mycoplasma pneumoniae asociado a encefalitis: reporte de caso / Pneumonia and benign acute myositis of childhood due to Mycoplasma pneu-moniae associated with encephalitis: a case report

Una de las principales causas de neumonía en niños entre 5 y 15 años es el Mycoplasma pneumoniae, una bacteria que causa manifestaciones clínicas atípicas como la miositis y encefalitis. Reportamos un caso de una niña de cinco años que presentó limitación funcional en extremidades inferiores precedida por una infección respiratoria superior. Posteriormente, se complicó con neumonía y encefalitis. Se administraron antibióticos y antivirales debido al deterioro clínico del paciente. La serología de inmunoglobulinas para Mycoplasma pneumoniae fue positiva; mientras que los demás estudios virales fueron negativos. El curso clínico fue favorable con disminución progresiva de la dificultad respiratoria, trastorno del sensorio y mejoría en la limitación funcional en las extremidades inferiores a los 15 días de tratamiento.

One of the leading causes of pneumonia in children between 5 to 15 years is Mycoplasma pneumoniae, a bacterium that causes atypical clinical manifestations such as myositis and encephalitis. We report a 5-year-old girl who presented functional limitations of the lower extremities preceded by an upper respiratory infection. Later on, she developed pneumonia and encephalitis. Antibiotics and antivirals were administered due to the clinical deterioration of the patient. IgM serology for Mycoplasma pneumoniae was positive, while the other viral studies were negative. The clinical course was favorable with a progressive decrease in respiratory distress, sensorial disorder, and improvement in the functional limitations of the lower limbs after 15 days of treatment.

Antisynthetase Syndrome and Autoantibodies: A Literature Review and Report of 4 Cases.

BACKGROUND With the advent and advancement of autoantibodies, there has been progress in the diagnosis, prognosis, and treatment of rheumatologic diseases. Antisynthetase syndrome (ASS) is a great example of a disease that initially was described as arthritis, myositis, interstitial lung disease, mechanic's hands, Raynaud's phenomenon, and fever in the presence of the anti-JO-1 antibody, but nowadays it presents with a different spectrum related to new antibodies. CASE REPORT We describe 4 patients with antisynthetase syndrome who were diagnosed with antibodies specific for myositis associated with different clinical findings. All patients responded to immunosuppressive therapy, and rituximab was the most used. CONCLUSIONS It is necessary to search for specific autoantibodies related to the syndrome in suspected clinical cases and in other rheumatological diseases refractory to the usual treatment.

[Idiopathic inflammatory myopathies. A review]. / Miopatías inflamatorias idiopáticas: una mirada actualizada al diagnóstico y el manejo.

Idiopathic inflammatory myopathies (IIM) are a heterogeneous group of acquired immune-mediated diseases, which typically involve the striated muscle with a variable involvement of the skin and other organs. Clinically, they are characterized by proximal muscle weakness, elevation of muscle enzymes, myopathic changes on electromyography and an abnormal muscle biopsy. The different IIM have been classified according to their distinctive histopathologic features in dermatomyositis (DM), polymyositis (PM), inclusion body myositis (IBM) and immune-mediated necrotizing myopathy (IMNM). Several myositis-specific antibodies are associated with the different phenotypes, as well as with different risk of neoplastic disease and systemic complications. The basis for the treatment of DM, PM, and IMNM is immunosuppression. For IBM there are only symptomatic treatments. Steroids, associated or not with other immunosuppressant drugs, are the first line of treatment. Biologic drugs will allow future individualized therapies. The 10-year survival of DM, PM and IMNM is 62 to 90%. The leading causes of death are neoplastic, lung and cardiac complications. IBM does not impair survival, although it affects the quality of life.

Miopatías inflamatorias idiopáticas: una mirada actualizada al diagnóstico y el manejo / Idiopathic inflammatory myopathies: a review

Idiopathic inflammatory myopathies (IIM) are a heterogeneous group of acquired immune-mediated diseases, which typically involve the striated muscle with a variable involvement of the skin and other organs. Clinically, they are characterized by proximal muscle weakness, elevation of muscle enzymes, myopathic changes on electromyography and an abnormal muscle biopsy. The different IIM have been classified according to their distinctive histopathologic features in dermatomyositis (DM), polymyositis (PM), inclusion body myositis (IBM) and immune-mediated necrotizing myopathy (IMNM). Several myositis-specific antibodies are associated with the different phenotypes, as well as with different risk of neoplastic disease and systemic complications. The basis for the treatment of DM, PM, and IMNM is immunosuppression. For IBM there are only symptomatic treatments. Steroids, associated or not with other immunosuppressant drugs, are the first line of treatment. Biologic drugs will allow future individualized therapies. The 10-year survival of DM, PM and IMNM is 62 to 90%. The leading causes of death are neoplastic, lung and cardiac complications. IBM does not impair survival, although it affects the quality of life.

Intravenous human immunoglobulin and/or methylprednisolone pulse therapies as a possible treat-to-target strategy in immune-mediated necrotizing myopathies.

To evaluate the relevance of immunoglobulin (IVIg) and/or methylprednisolone pulse therapies in immune-mediated necrotizing myopathy (IMNM). Secondarily, to analyze the muscle damage measured by late magnetic resonance images (MRI). This retrospective study included 13 patients with defined IMNM (nine patients positive for the anti-signal recognition particle and four patients positive for hydroxyl-methyl-glutaryl coenzyme A reductase) who were followed from 2012 to 2018. International Myositis Assessment and Clinical Studies Group (IMACS) scoring assessed the response to a standardized treat-to-target protocol with disease activity core-set measures and late magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). The patients had a mean age of 53.5 years and were predominantly female and of white ethnicity. Median symptom and mean follow-up durations were 4 and 39 months, respectively. All patients received IVIg and/or methylprednisolone pulse therapies. All IMACS core-set measurements improved significantly after initial treatment. Nine patients achieved complete clinical response and among them 2 had complete remission. Eleven patients had discontinued glucocorticoid use by the end of the study. Only 2 patients had moderate muscle atrophy or fat replacement observed by MRI, with the remainder presenting normal or mild findings. Our patients with IMNM treated with an aggressive immunosuppressant therapy had a marked improvement in all IMACS core-set domains. Moreover, the MRI findings suggest that an early treat-to-target approach could reduce the odds of long-term muscle disability. Methylprednisolone and/or IVIg pulse therapies aiming at a target of complete clinical response are potential treatment strategies for IMNM that should be studied in future prospective studies.

Favorable rituximab response in patients with refractory idiopathic inflammatory myopathies.

BACKGROUND: Interpretation of rituximab efficacy for refractory idiopathic inflammatory myopathies (IIM) is hampered by the absence of a uniform definition of refractory myositis and clinical response. Therefore, rigorous criteria of refractoriness, together with a homogenous definition of clinical improvement, were used to evaluate rituximab one-year response. METHODS: A retrospective cohort study including 43 IIM (15 antisynthetase syndrome, 16 dermatomyositis, 12 polymyositis) was conducted. All patients had refractory disease (inadequate response to at least two immunosuppressives/immunomodulatories and no less than three months sequentially or concomitantly glucocorticoid tapering) criteria. Clinical/laboratory improvement at one-year was based on modified International Myositis Assessment & Clinical Studies Group (IMACS) core set measures. The patients received two infusions of rituximab (1 g each) at baseline, followed by repeated dose after 6 months. Baseline immunosuppressive therapy was maintained and glucocorticoid dose was tapered according to clinical/laboratory parameters. RESULTS: Five patients had side effects at the first rituximab application and were excluded. Therefore, 38 out of 43 patients completed the one-year follow up. Almost 75% of the patients attained clinical and laboratory response after one-year. A significant reduction in median glucocorticoid dose (18.8 vs. 6.3 mg/day) was achieved and 42% patients were able to discontinue prednisone. In contrast, young individuals and patients with dysphagia had a tendency to be non-responders to rituximab. No severe infections were observed. CONCLUSION: This study provides convincing evidence that rituximab is an effective and safe therapy for refractory IIM.

Mycophenolate mofetil in patients with refractory systemic autoimmune myopathies: case series.

BACKGROUND: Currently, there are only few studies (mostly case reports or case series) on mycophenolate mofetil (MMF) in patients with systemic autoimmune myopathies (SAM). Therefore, the goal of the present study was to evaluate the safety and efficacy of MMF (monotherapy or coadjuvant drug) in a specific sample of patients with refractory SAM: dermatomyositis, polymyositis, anti-synthetase syndrome or clinically amyopathic dermatomyositis. METHODS: A case series including 20 consecutive adult patients with refractory SAM from 2010 to 2016 was conducted. After the introduction of MMF, associated or not with other drugs, the patients were followed for 6 consecutive months. RESULTS: In 17 out of 20 patients MMF was introduced without any intolerance. The clinical symptoms evaluated in these patients were muscular, cutaneous and/or pulmonary activity. During the 6-month follow-up, 11 out of 17 patients had clinical and laboratory activities response with MMF, allowing significant tapering of the prednisone median dose (15 vs. 5 mg/day, P=0.005). On the other hand, in three out of 20 patients; MMF was discontinued in less than two months, because of gastrointestinal intolerance. There were no cases of serious infection or death. CONCLUSIONS: MMF was relatively well-tolerated, safe and effective in patients with refractory SAM. Further studies are needed to confirm the data found.