Examination of prognostic factors in anti-melanoma differentiation-associated gene 5 antibody-positive dermatomyositis.

Objective: This study investigated the prognostic factors of anti-melanoma differentiation-associated gene 5 antibody-positive dermatomyositis (MDA5-DM).

Methods: This study analysed 34 MDA5-DM cases (20 and 14 in the survival and death groups, respectively) encountered at Kurume University between 2008 and 2021. The clinical, physiological, and computed tomography findings, pulmonary function, and serological results were retrospectively evaluated for each MDA5-DM case during the first visit and throughout the next 12 weeks.

Results: In the death group, the mean age of patients was higher (47.6 vs. 61.8 years), while the duration from symptom onset to consultation was shorter (110 vs. 34.9 days). During the first visit, the death group demonstrated a significantly higher serum C-reactive protein level (0.52 vs. 1.99) and a significantly lower albumin level (3.23 vs. 2.63) than the survival group; this persisted throughout the next 12 weeks. Poor prognosis was associated with C-reactive protein and albumin levels >0.19 mg/dl and <2.3 g/dl, respectively, 4 weeks after starting the treatment.

Conclusion: Four weeks after starting the treatment, serum C-reactive protein and albumin levels of patients with MDA5-DM can be used to evaluate treatment response and predict prognosis.