PURPOSE OF REVIEW: The purpose of this study is to review recent advances in the diagnostic utility of autoantibodies in dermatomyositis. RECENT FINDINGS: Alternative nonspecialist testing methods have been developed for anti-transcription intermediary factor 1 gamma, anti-MDA5 and anti-nuclear matrix protein 2, which are potentially exploitable by any hospital laboratory. Although these have yet to be validated for diagnostic use, it is likely that testing for myositis-specific antibodies will soon become readily available. SUMMARY: The identification of myositis-specific autoantibodies provides both diagnostic and prognostic information and offers a unique opportunity to adopt a stratified approach to treatment. Their identification, in many cases, should prevent the need for invasive diagnostic tests such as muscle biopsy.
PURPOSE OF REVIEW: The purpose of this study is to review recent advances in the diagnostic utility of autoantibodies in dermatomyositis. RECENT FINDINGS: Alternative nonspecialist testing methods have been developed for anti-transcription intermediary factor 1 gamma, anti-MDA5 and anti-nuclear matrix protein 2, which are potentially exploitable by any hospital laboratory. Although these have yet to be validated for diagnostic use, it is likely that testing for myositis-specific antibodies will soon become readily available. SUMMARY: The identification of myositis-specific autoantibodies provides both diagnostic and prognostic information and offers a unique opportunity to adopt a stratified approach to treatment. Their identification, in many cases, should prevent the need for invasive diagnostic tests such as muscle biopsy.
Authors: Olga Kryštůfková; Sevim Barbasso Helmers; Paulius Venalis; Vivianne Malmström; Eva Lindroos; Jiří Vencovský; Ingrid E Lundberg Journal: Arthritis Res Ther Date: 2014-10-10 Impact factor: 5.156