Margarida Maia, PhD, science writer —

Margarida is a biochemist (University of Porto, Portugal) with a PhD in biomedical sciences (VIB and KULeuven, Belgium). Her main interest is science communication. She is also passionate about design and the dialogue between art and science.

Articles by Margarida Maia

Blood marker for inflammation may predict AAV disease activity

A blood marker, called C-reactive protein to albumin ratio (CAR), may predict and help monitor disease activity in people with ANCA-associated vasculitis (AAV), according to a small study in Turkey. This is important in clinical practice because “close monitoring, early recognition, and timely treatment of disease activity may limit…

Antibodies against HMGB1 and moesin may be useful biomarkers

Two types of self-reactive antibodies, called anti-HMGB1 and anti-moesin antibodies, are present at significantly higher levels in the blood of ANCA-associated vasculitis (AAV) patients relative to healthy people and those with other autoimmune diseases, a study shows. The levels of these antibodies are also linked to how AAV manifested…

Proof-of-concept efgartigimod trial for AAV expected this year

Argenx is planning to launch a proof-of-concept clinical trial later this year to test its therapy efgartigimod, approved to treat another autoimmune disease, in people with ANCA-associated vasculitis (AAV). Data from proof-of-concept studies can help companies and their researchers decide whether to develop a medicine for a specific…

Aneurysms more common in GPA than other AAV types: Study

People with granulomatosis with polyangiitis (GPA) are more likely to develop an aneurysm — a bulge in a blood vessel wall that can burst or rupture — than those with other types of ANCA-associated vasculitis (AAV), according to a small study in France. Aneurysms mainly affected medium-sized vessels, especially…

Eye symptoms seen in one-third of GPA patients in Italian study

More than one-third of people with granulomatosis with polyangiitis (GPA), a type of ANCA-associated vasculitis, may experience eye symptoms, a study in Italy has found. In many cases, eye symptoms were present from the onset of disease, sometimes even preceding more specific symptoms affecting other body parts. “Patients should…