[The shades of anti-Jo1 positive antisynthetase syndrome in a Hungarian cohort].

INTRODUCTION

In idiopathic inflammatory myopathies, the presence of anti-Jo-1 antibody defines a distinct clinical phenotype (myositis, arthritis, interstitial lung disease, Raynaud's phenomenon fever, mechanic's hands), called antisynthetase syndrome.

AIM: To determine the demographic data as well as clinical, laboratory and terapeutical features of anti-Jo1 positive patients, followed by the department of the authors.

METHOD: The medical records of 49 consecutive anti-Jo1 patients were reviewed.

RESULTS

Demographic and clinical results were very similar to those published by other centers. Significant correlation was found between the anti-Jo-1 titer and the creatine kinase and C-reactive protein levels. Distinct laboratory results measured at the time of diagnosis of the disease (C-reactive protein, antigen A associated with Sjogren's syndrome, positive rheumatoid factor), and the presence of certain clinical symptoms (fever, vasculitic skin) may indicate a worse prognosis within the antisyntetase positive patient group.

CONCLUSION

In the cases above more agressive immunosuppressive therapy may be required.