Marisa Wexler, MS,  senior science writer—

The antibody rituximab is a good alternative to cyclophosphamide for inducing remission in people with ANCA-associated vasculitis (AAV), and is better than azathioprine as a maintenance therapy, researchers reported. These were among the findings from a recent review study that investigated the relative benefits and risks associated with different…

Use of avacopan can increase remission rates and improve kidney function in people with ANCA-associated vasculitis (AAV), while limiting the toxicity associated with standard steroid therapy, according to results from a Phase 3 clinical trial. Top-line data from the ADVOCATE trial, which opened on March 15, 2017, and concluded on…

The risk factors that predict serious infections in people with ANCA-associated vasculitis (AAV) vary with time, a study found. Factors associated with early infection include age and admission to an intensive care unit, whereas kidney function is the most important risk factor for late infections, the investigators said. The…

New statistical models could help to predict the risk of relapse and infection following ongoing rituximab treatment in people with ANCA-associated vasculitis (AAV), a study suggests. These models may aid in clinical decisions about the relative risks and benefits of continuing to use rituximab beyond its customary two years…

A survey is seeking people with ANCA-associated vasculitis (AAV) around the world to help researchers better understand how patients make decisions about treatment. Called OPTIONS Vasculitis, the survey is collecting responses from people with AAV, including granulomatosis with polyangiitis and microscopic polyangiitis, as…

Genetic variations in the TERT and DSP genes, previously associated with an increased risk of idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF), are also tied to a greater likelihood of ANCA-associated vasculitis (AAV), a study in Japan found. However, these gene variants are not associated with a risk of interstitial lung…

The National Organization for Rare Disorders (NORD)’s RareLaunch training program will host two days of free virtual workshops in December, with the aim of empowering leaders to start non-profit organizations and research programs to help people with rare diseases.  “The RareLaunch program is…

A majority of rare disease patients using telehealth during the COVID-19 pandemic thought the experience positive, and many would like the option of continuing its use in future appointments, a series of surveys found. The surveys were conducted by the National Organization for Rare Disorders (NORD) and involved more than 800…

People with kidney inflammation due to ANCA-associated vasculitis (AAV) have a high incidence of venous thromboembolism or VTE, a potentially dangerous type of blood clot, a new study shows. However, treatment with statins — cholesterol-lowering medications — may significantly reduce patients’ VTE risk, researchers say. The…

Adding plasma exchange to immune-suppressing treatment does not significantly improve clinical outcomes in people with ANCA-associated vasculitis (AAV), a new meta-analysis indicates. The analysis, “The role of plasma exchange in antineutrophil cytoplasmic antibody-associated vasculitis: a meta-analysis,” was published in Clinical Rheumatology. AAV is characterized by…