Treatment Strategies for Anti-Synthetase Syndrome

Abstract

Anti-aminoacyl tRNA synthetase (ARS) antibodies are the most frequent in idiopathic inflammatory myopathy, notably associated with anti-synthetase syndrome (ASyS), which is characterized by six clinical features: arthritis, myositis, interstitial lung disease (ILD), fever, Raynaud's phenomenon, and mechanical hands. Although patients with ASyS often respond well to initial glucocorticoid (GC) therapy, they tend to have a chronic, recurrent disease course. In anti-ARS-positive patients, the treatment goal involves suppressing disease recurrence and progression while achieving a minimal GC dose. In this regard, the administration and continuation of immunosuppressants, such as calcineurin inhibitors, have been suggested. B-cell depletion therapies are expected to be valuable in patients with refractory ASyS. Moreover, additional antifibrotic agents may be beneficial for patients with progressive fibrosing ILD.