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Opportunistic infections in polymyositis and dermatomyositis

Isabelle Marie1, Eric Hachulla, Patrick Chérin

  • 1Centre Hospitalier Universitaire de Rouen-Boisguillaume and Inserm Unit 644, Rouen, France. isabelle.marie@chu-rouen.fr

Arthritis and Rheumatism
|April 9, 2005
PubMed
Abstract

Insights

Opportunistic infections are common in polymyositis/dermatomyositis (PM/DM) patients, often occurring within the first year after diagnosis. These infections increase mortality risk and may be predicted by specific clinical factors.

Area of Science:

  • Rheumatology
  • Infectious Diseases
  • Clinical Medicine

Background:

  • Polymyositis/dermatomyositis (PM/DM) is an autoimmune disease associated with increased risk of infections.
  • Opportunistic infections (OIs) pose a significant threat to patients with inflammatory myopathies.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To determine the prevalence and characteristics of OIs in PM/DM patients.
  • To identify clinical and laboratory predictors of OIs in this population.

Main Methods:

  • Retrospective review of medical records from 156 PM/DM patients across three medical centers.
  • Analysis of patient demographics, clinical presentation, laboratory findings, and infection types.

Main Results:

  • 11.5% of PM/DM patients developed OIs, predominantly within the first year post-diagnosis.
  • Fungal infections were most common (>50%), followed by lung and digestive OIs (89%).
  • Higher steroid doses, lymphopenia, and low total protein levels were associated with increased OI risk.

Conclusions:

  • OIs are frequent in PM/DM, contributing to a substantial mortality rate (27.7%).
  • A diverse range of pathogens can cause OIs in PM/DM.
  • Identifying patients at risk through predictive factors warrants closer monitoring and proactive management.

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