The diagnostic utility of autoantibodies in adult and juvenile myositis.

PURPOSE OF REVIEW

The purpose of this study is to review recent advances in the diagnostic utility of autoantibodies in dermatomyositis.

RECENT FINDINGS

Alternative nonspecialist testing methods have been developed for anti-transcription intermediary factor 1 gamma, anti-MDA5 and anti-nuclear matrix protein 2, which are potentially exploitable by any hospital laboratory. Although these have yet to be validated for diagnostic use, it is likely that testing for myositis-specific antibodies will soon become readily available.

SUMMARY

The identification of myositis-specific autoantibodies provides both diagnostic and prognostic information and offers a unique opportunity to adopt a stratified approach to treatment. Their identification, in many cases, should prevent the need for invasive diagnostic tests such as muscle biopsy.