Fig. 3

Disease activity and its relationship with autoantibodies. The graphic shows the relationship between ferritin values (ng/ml black triangles) as index of disease activity, levels of anti-MDA5 antibodies (red dots) and anti-Ro52 kDa (black asterisks both expressed as Arbitrary Levels, AL), as determined by a commercial immunoblot, and therapeutic interventions in patient #1. Normal values of ferritin are below 272 ng/ml (red dotted line), levels of autoantibodies are considered as negative below 10, as indicated by the manufacturer (Euroimmun AG). CS corticosteroids (methilprednisolone, prednisone); CyA cyclosporine A; IVIg immunoglobulins; HyQ hydroxychloroquine. Upward pointing arrow indicates iv pulse therapy