Related Experiment Video

Updated: Jun 8, 2026

Detection of Anti-MDA5 Autoantibodies Using HeLa Cells and Immunocytochemistry with Light Microscopy
10:55

Detection of Anti-MDA5 Autoantibodies Using HeLa Cells and Immunocytochemistry with Light Microscopy

Published on: October 31, 2025

Infections in polymyositis and dermatomyositis: analysis of 192 cases

I-Jung Chen1, Wen-Pin Tsai, Yeong-Jian Jan Wu

  • 1Division of Rheumatology, Allergy and Immunology, Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, 5 Fu-Shin Street, Kuei-Shan (333), Tao-Yuan, Taiwan, Republic of China. gout@adm.cgmh.org.tw.

Rheumatology (Oxford, England)
|September 15, 2010
PubMed
Abstract

Insights

Major infections are common in polymyositis (PM) and dermatomyositis (DM) patients, significantly reducing survival rates. Close monitoring of PM/DM patients with identified risk factors is essential for better outcomes.

Area of Science:

  • Rheumatology
  • Infectious Diseases
  • Clinical Medicine

Background:

  • Polymyositis (PM) and dermatomyositis (DM) are idiopathic inflammatory myopathies.
  • Infections pose a significant threat to patients with PM and DM.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To determine the incidence, characteristics, and predictors of major infections in patients with PM and DM.
  • To assess the impact of infections on patient survival.

Main Methods:

  • Retrospective review of medical records of 192 PM/DM patients from 1999 to 2008.
  • Analysis of infection episodes, pathogens, and patient survival rates.
  • Multivariate analysis to identify independent predictors of major infection.

Main Results:

  • The incidence of major infections was 11.1 episodes per 100 patient-years.
  • Aspiration pneumonia and opportunistic infections were the leading causes.
  • Age over 45, arthritis/arthralgia, interstitial lung disease, and use of azathioprine (AZA) or intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIG) were significant predictors of infection.
  • Major infections decreased patient survival rates.

Conclusions:

  • PM/DM patients experience a high frequency of major infections.
  • Infections are detrimental to patient survival.
  • Regular monitoring of PM/DM patients with risk factors for infection is crucial.

Related Concept Videos

Myocarditis II: Clinical Features and Diagnostic Tests01:27

Myocarditis II: Clinical Features and Diagnostic Tests

Myocarditis is an inflammation of the heart muscle. The symptoms vary widely, encompassing asymptomatic presentations to severe, acute manifestations.Clinical PresentationAsymptomatic cases: In some instances, myocarditis may be asymptomatic, with the infection resolving without intervention. These cases often go undetected unless discovered incidentally through diagnostic imaging or tests conducted for other reasons.General Early Symptoms: Early symptoms of myocarditis are non-specific and can...
Skin Diseases and Disorders01:23

Skin Diseases and Disorders

Skin is the first line of defense and encounters a variety of microbes. Some pathogenic strains are often the cause of a broad range of infections of the skin and other body systems. These conditions can affect people of all ages and may have different causes, including genetic factors, infections, autoimmune reactions, environmental factors, and lifestyle choices.
Gram-positive Staphylococcus spp. and Streptococcus spp. are responsible for many of the most common skin infections. However, many...
Myocarditis I: Introduction01:21

Myocarditis I: Introduction

Myocarditis is inflammation of the myocardium, which is the muscular layer of the heart.EtiologyMyocarditis has a diverse etiology, including a wide range of infectious and non-infectious causes:Infectious CausesViral: Common viruses include Coxsackie A and B, adenovirus, parvovirus B19, enteroviruses, and influenza A.Bacterial: Examples include infections caused by Streptococcus, Staphylococcus, and Mycoplasma species.Rickettsial: Infections like Rocky Mountain spotted fever can result in...
Poliomyelitis01:17

Poliomyelitis

Poliomyelitis is caused by poliovirus, a small, non-enveloped, positive-sense RNA virus of the Picornaviridae family and Enterovirus genus. Transmission occurs primarily via the fecal-oral route, often through ingestion of contaminated water or food. The virus initially replicates in the oropharynx and intestinal mucosa, particularly in lymphoid tissues such as the tonsils, Peyer’s patches, and regional lymph nodes. Primary viremia follows, allowing dissemination throughout the body.In most...
Myocarditis III: Medical Management01:14

Myocarditis III: Medical Management

Myocarditis: Comprehensive Medical ManagementMyocarditis, the heart muscle inflammation, requires a comprehensive medical management strategy that addresses the underlying cause, provides supportive care, manages symptoms, and reduces cardiac workload.Infections and Autoimmune CausesAdminister appropriate antimicrobial therapy when an infectious agent causes myocarditis. For instance, penicillin treats infections caused by Group A Streptococcus. In cases where autoimmune processes are...
Fungal Phylum Microsporidia01:28

Fungal Phylum Microsporidia

Microsporidia are a group of obligate intracellular fungi that were initially classified as protists but were later reclassified based on phylogenetic, molecular, and structural evidence linking them to the Chytridiomycota. These unicellular, non-motile organisms are highly specialized parasites that infect a wide range of animal hosts, including humans. They have evolved extensive genomic and metabolic reductions, making them highly dependent on their hosts for survival.Morphology and Genomic...