Anti-SMN autoantibodies in mixed connective tissue disease are associated with a severe systemic sclerosis phenotype.

Objectives: The survival of motor neuron (SMN) complex has an essential role in the assembly of small nuclear ribonucleoproteins (RNP). Recent reports have described autoantibodies (aAbs) to the SMN complex as novel biomarkers in anti-U1RNP+ myositis patients. The aim of this study was to compare phenotypic features of anti-U1RNP+ mixed connective tissue disease (MCTD) patients with and without anti-SMN aAbs.

The concurrence of an enterocutaneous fistula and granulomatosis with polyangiitis: The role of immunosuppression as a bridge to definitive surgical treatment.

Background And Aim: Granulomatosis with polyangiitis (GPA) is a systemic disease that consists of vasculitis and granulomatous inflammation, and that usually affects the respiratory tract, the ear, nose, and throat sphere, and the kidneys. GPA may also cause skin manifestations that include ulcerations, nodules, or papules. An enterocutaneous fistula (ECF) is an abnormal tract that connects the skin surface to the gastrointestinal system.

Recognising the spectrum of scleromyositis: HEp-2 ANA patterns allow identification of a novel clinical subset with anti-SMN autoantibodies.

Objective: To describe systemic sclerosis (SSc) with myopathy in patients without classic SSc-specific and SSc-overlap autoantibodies (aAbs), referred to as seronegative scleromyositis.

Methods: Twenty patients with seronegative scleromyositis diagnosed by expert opinion were analysed retrospectively for SSc features at myositis diagnosis and follow-up, and stratified based on HEp-2 nuclear patterns by indirect immunofluorescence (IIF) according to International Consensus of Autoantibody Patterns. Specificities were analysed by protein A-assisted immunoprecipitation.

Statin-induced anti-HMGCR myopathy: successful therapeutic strategies for corticosteroid-free remission in 55 patients.

Objective: To describe successful therapeutic strategies in statin-induced anti-HMGCR myopathy.

Methods: Retrospective data from a cohort of 55 patients with statin-induced anti-HMGCR myopathy, sequentially stratified by the presence of proximal weakness, early remission, and corticosteroid and IVIG use at treatment induction, were analyzed for optimal successful induction and maintenance of remission strategies.

Results: A total of 14 patients achieved remission with a corticosteroid-free induction strategy (25%).

Redefining dermatomyositis: a description of new diagnostic criteria that differentiate pure dermatomyositis from overlap myositis with dermatomyositis features.

Dermatomyositis (DM) is a major clinical subset of autoimmune myositis (AIM). The characteristic DM rash (Gottron papules, heliotrope rash) and perifascicular atrophy at skeletal muscle biopsy are regarded as specific features for this diagnosis. However, new concepts are challenging the current definition of DM.

Autoantibodies and microvascular damage are independent predictive factors for the progression of Raynaud's phenomenon to systemic sclerosis: a twenty-year prospective study of 586 patients, with validation of proposed criteria for early systemic sclerosis.

Objective: To identify in patients with Raynaud's phenomenon (RP) independent markers that predict progression to definite systemic sclerosis (SSc) and to determine in patients with progression to SSc the type and sequence of microvascular damage and its relationship to SSc-specific autoantibodies.

Methods: Consecutive patients referred for evaluation of RP who had no definite connective tissue disease were evaluated for microvascular damage by nailfold capillary microscopy (NCM) and for anticentromere (anti-CENP-B), anti-Th/To, anti-topoisomerase I, and anti-RNA polymerase III (anti-RNAP III) autoantibodies by specific assays. Patients were studied prospectively.

The systemic lupus erythematosus Tri-Nation study: cumulative indirect costs.

Objective: We previously reported that patients with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) in the US incurred approximately 19% and 12% higher direct medical costs than patients in Canada and the UK, respectively, without experiencing superior outcomes expressed as disease damage or quality of life. In the present study, we compared cumulative indirect costs over 4 years in these patients.

Methods: A total of 715 patients with SLE (269 US, 231 Canada, 215 UK) were surveyed semiannually for 4 years on employment status and time lost from labor and nonlabor market activities.

Novel classification of idiopathic inflammatory myopathies based on overlap syndrome features and autoantibodies: analysis of 100 French Canadian patients.

Our objective was to improve the currently imperfect classifications of idiopathic inflammatory myopathies (IIM). In clinical practice, overlap features are common in IIM. This provided a rationale for positioning overlap clinical features at the core of a new classification system.

Group psychotherapy reduces illness intrusiveness in systemic lupus erythematosus.

Objective: We investigated whether brief supportive-expressive group psychotherapy might reduce illness-induced interference with valued activities and interests (i.e., illness intrusiveness) among women with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) in relation to 3 life domains: (1) relationships and personal development (family relationships, other social relationships, self-expression), (2) intimacy (relationship with spouse, sex life), and/or (3) instrumental life (work, finances, active recreation).

Counterbalancing patient demands with evidence: results from a pan-Canadian randomized clinical trial of brief supportive-expressive group psychotherapy for women with systemic lupus erythematosus.

Objective: To evaluate the effect of Brief Supportive-Expressive Group Psychotherapy as an adjunct to standard medical care in reducing psychological distress, medical symptoms, and health care costs and improving quality of life in women with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE).

Methods: A randomized clinical trial was conducted with 133 SLE female patients from 9 clinics across Canada. Clinical and psychosocial measures were taken at baseline, posttreatment, and 6 and 12 months posttreatment.