Antisynthetase syndrome
Antisynthetase syndrome
Antisynthetase syndrome (pronounced: an-ti-sin-thuh-teys sin-drohm) is a rare autoimmune disease characterized by specific autoantibodies known as antisynthetase antibodies.
Etymology
The term "antisynthetase" is derived from the Greek words "anti" meaning against, and "synthetase" referring to the type of enzymes that the antibodies are directed against. The term "syndrome" is derived from the Greek word "syndromē" which means concurrence of symptoms, signifying a group of symptoms that consistently occur together.
Definition
Antisynthetase syndrome is a condition that primarily affects the muscles (causing myositis), lungs (causing interstitial lung disease), and joints (causing arthritis). It is associated with the presence of autoantibodies against aminoacyl-tRNA synthetases, which are enzymes involved in protein synthesis.
Symptoms
The most common symptoms of antisynthetase syndrome include muscle weakness, joint pain, and lung disease. Other symptoms may include Raynaud's phenomenon, fever, and mechanic's hands - a condition characterized by thickened, cracked skin on the hands.
Diagnosis
Diagnosis of antisynthetase syndrome is based on clinical symptoms, blood tests showing the presence of antisynthetase antibodies, and sometimes muscle or lung biopsies.
Treatment
Treatment typically involves medications to suppress the immune system, such as corticosteroids, immunosuppressants, and sometimes biologic therapy.
Prognosis
The prognosis of antisynthetase syndrome varies widely. Some people have mild symptoms and respond well to treatment, while others may have severe lung disease and poor response to treatment.
Related Terms
- Autoimmune disease
- Myositis
- Interstitial lung disease
- Arthritis
- Raynaud's phenomenon
- Mechanic's hands
- Corticosteroids
- Immunosuppressants
- Biologic therapy
External links
- Medical encyclopedia article on Antisynthetase syndrome
- Wikipedia's article - Antisynthetase syndrome
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