To investigate the impact of TNF-α inhibition on calcinosis in patients with refractory dermatomyositis, particularly focusing on those with anti-NXP2 autoantibodies.
Key Findings:
Two of three anti-NXP2-positive individuals showed radiographic reduction of calcinosis after TNF-α inhibition.
Significant reduction in median daily prednisolone dosage from 40 mg to 5 mg over 12 months.
Calcinosis was absent at baseline in all anti-NXP2-negative individuals, preventing evaluation of regression in this subgroup.
Interpretation:
Extended TNF-α inhibition may lead to improvement in calcinosis for anti-NXP2-positive patients, suggesting a potential antibody-related variability in treatment response, warranting further prospective studies.
Limitations:
Small sample size limits generalizability.
Retrospective design may introduce bias.
Lack of control group limits comparative analysis.
Conclusion:
TNF-α inhibition may benefit anti-NXP2-positive patients with calcinosis in refractory dermatomyositis, warranting further prospective studies.
