Clin Exp Dermatol. 2021 Aug 3. doi: 10.1111/ced.14870. Online ahead of print.
ABSTRACT
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.
PMID:34342883 | DOI:10.1111/ced.14870
