French researchers have identified specific autoantibodies associated with myositis that may predict the response to treatment of dermatomyositis with Janus kinase (JAK) inhibitors (JAKi):
- 39 children and adolescents with juvenile dermatomyositis were included in the study,
- all of whom were followed at the Necker-Enfants Malades Reference Center in Paris.
- A positive, complete, or partial response to treatment was observed in 82% of cases after six months of treatment.
- This was correlated with a significant decrease in interferon-alpha markers during the course of treatment.
- However, the presence of anti-TIF1g autoantibodies was associated with a poorer response to treatment.
- Nine adverse effects related to the use of JAKi were reported (mainly shingles and weight gain).
This discovery will enable therapeutic protocols to be better adapted in this subgroup of inflammatory myopathies in children.
