Diagnosing muscle disease in a cohort of classic dermatomyositis patients seen at a rheumatologic dermatology outpatient clinic.

Background: Existing criteria to improve the probability of capturing dermatomyositis (DM) include muscle biopsy but little is known about whether less invasive diagnostic procedures may be just as useful.

Objective: We aimed to determine whether skin biopsy, electromyography, or magnetic resonance imaging of the involved muscle could be done in lieu of muscle biopsy.

Methods: Two hundred and seventy-five patients were reviewed to investigate the presence of cutaneous and muscle disease, their timing in relation to diagnosis, and results of skin biopsies, muscle biopsies, magnetic resonance imaging, and electromyography.

The CLASI, a validated tool for the evaluation of skin disease in lupus erythematosus: a narrative review.

Cutaneous lupus erythematosus (CLE) can present with or without features of systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), with estimates of the incidence of isolated skin disease almost equaling the incidence of those with systemic disease. However, despite the impact CLE has on a patient's quality of life (QoL), there has been no US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved treatment for the disease in the past 50 years. In addition, patients with skin predominant LE are often excluded from clinical SLE trials.

Evaluating change in disease activity needed to reflect meaningful improvement in quality of life for clinical trials in cutaneous lupus erythematosus.

Background: Outcome measures of clinical trials in cutaneous lupus erythematosus (CLE) should reflect clinically meaningful improvement in disease activity, as measured by the Cutaneous Lupus Disease Area and Severity Index activity score (CLASI-A).

Objective: We aimed to define the degree of improvement in disease activity meaningful to a patient's quality of life.

Methods: The change in the CLASI-A in 126 patients needed to predict meaningful change in QoL, as defined by the Emotions and Symptoms subscales of the Skindex-29, was evaluated by linear regression models.

Assessing the Correlation Between Disease Severity Indices and Quality of Life Measurement Tools in Pemphigus.

Pemphigus, an autoimmune blistering disease that affects the skin and mucous membranes, adversely impacts patients' quality of life (QOL). While there are various QOL measurement tools that can be used in this disease, few studies have assessed how a patient's change in disease severity can affect their QOL. This study aims to identify which disease severity index correlates best with the change in QOL.

Management of autoimmune blistering diseases in pregnancy and the neonate.

The management of autoimmune blistering diseases (AIBD) is therapeutically challenging, particularly in patients who plan to conceive, or are pregnant or breastfeeding. Not only is a patient's immune system altered by pregnancy-associated hormonal changes, but several medications used for AIBD treatment are not recommended for use in pregnancy or lactation. The data acquired regarding the safety and efficacy of these therapeutic interventions are gathered from studies or case reports from other diseases, as the treatment modalities are similar and randomized controlled trials are typically not performed in the setting of pregnancy.

Advancing understanding, diagnosis, and therapies for cutaneous lupus erythematosus within the broader context of systemic lupus erythematosus.

Cutaneous lupus erythematosus (CLE) is an autoimmune disease that can be associated with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) symptoms. The pathogenesis of both CLE and SLE is multifactorial, involving genetic susceptibility, environmental factors, and innate and adaptive immune responses. Despite the efficacy of current medications, many patients remain refractory, highlighting the necessity for new treatment options.