Clinical Significance of Myositis‑Specific and Myositis‑Associated Antibody Profiles in Dermatomyositis.

Background: Myositis‑specific autoantibodies (MSA) and myositis‑associated autoantibodies (MAA) are clinically useful biomarkers that point to the diagnosis, clinical manifestations, and prognosis of dermatomyositis (DM). Materials and Methods: To estimate the prevalence of MSA as well as MAA and analyze possible clinical correlations of these autoantibodies in patients diagnosed with DM, we conducted a cross‑sectional study of 30 patients who were diagnosed with DM. Results: MSA were positive in 19 patients (63%) in which Mi 2 was positive in 8 (27%) patients, and this was the most frequently found MSA. A total of 11 (36.7%) patients showed positive MAA. AntiPM/Scl 75 and anti‑Ro 52 were positive in 5 (16.7%) patients each and these were the most commonly found MAA. Anti‑La was absent in all our patients. There were 8 (27%) patients in whom both MSA and MAA were positive. Either MSA and/or MAA were positive in 22 (73%) patients. On a bivariate analysis, the patients who were positive for anti‑PM/Scl 75 showed a significant difference in manifesting cutaneous ulcers (P value 0.023). It was also found that anti‑SAE‑positive patients showed a significant difference with malignancy (P value 0.014). Anti‑Ro 52‑positive patients were less likely to have symmetrical proximal muscle weakness (P value 0.006). Conclusions: All patients who were anti‑MDA 5 positive had myositis and none of the anti‑MDA 5‑positive patients had rapidly progressive interstitial lung disease (RPILD). More than one MSA in the same patient was noted in three patients. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]