The clinical characteristics of pharyngeal and laryngeal lesions in anti-MDA5-positive dermatomyositis patients
Authors' conclusion
1. Pharyngeal and laryngeal lesions are not uncommon in anti-MDA5-positive DM, these patients have poorer nutritional status and more severe lung lesions; 2. Positive anti-Ro-52 antibodies and high serum ferritin levels are closely associated with pharyngeal and laryngeal involvement in anti-MDA5-positive DM; 3. Electronic laryngoscopy plays a crucial role in the diagnosis and evaluation of pharyngeal and laryngeal conditions.
Study context
- Population
- Patients with anti-MDA5-positive DM
- Participants
- 131 patients
- Exposure
- Anti-MDA5-positive DM with vs without pharyngeal and laryngeal involvement
- Pharyngeal/laryngeal involvementn = 35
- Outcome
- Clinical characteristics of pharyngeal and laryngeal lesions
Main finding
As reported in the abstract
Pharyngeal and laryngeal symptoms in anti-MDA5-positive DM patients
26.7%
Observational data: associations, not effects.
Further findings
Laboratory and lung features by involvement
- Low haemoglobin, albumin, prealbumin, high-density lipoprotein and rapidly progressive ILD mainly in patients with involvement vs without
Mortality
- No significant difference in mortality between the two groups
Anti-Ro-52 antibody status
- Involvement significantly more frequent in anti-Ro-52-positive than anti-Ro-52-negative patients
Serum ferritin
- Ferritin 1000–1500 ng/ml more likely to develop involvement vs ferritin < 500 ng/ml
Electronic laryngoscopy findings
- Laryngoscopy assisted assessment of pharyngeal mucosa, arytenoid area, epiglottis and vocal cords; rare lesions incl. pharyngeal posterior wall fistulas, epiglottic ulcers, vocal cord white lesions
Original publication
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