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Central Nervous System Involvement Seen Not to Affect Survival Rates in GPA Patients, Study Finds

A retrospective study has investigated the central nervous system’s (CNS) involvement in granulomatosis with polyangiitis (GPA) in a group of Greek patients. The study found that CNS involvement does not affect long-term patient outcomes. ANCA-associated vasculitis (AAV) refers to a group of rare diseases characterized by inflammatory cell infiltration and…

Changes in Certain T-cell Proteins May Contribute to Autoimmunity

Low levels of adenosine-regulating cell surface proteins on T-cells of patients with anti-neutrophil cytoplasmic autoantibody (ANCA)-associated vasculitis may contribute to autoimmunity, a new study suggests. The study, “Changes in CD73, CD39 and CD26 expression on T-lymphocytes of ANCA-associated vasculitis patients suggest impairment in adenosine generation and turn-over,”…

Birmingham Score Predicts Risk for Heart Disease-related Deaths in AAV Patients, According to Study

Increases in the Birmingham Vasculitis Activity Score (BVAS) may work as an independent risk predictor for cardiovascular  disease (CVD)-related deaths in ANCA-associated vasculitis, a single-center study from China found. The study, “The BVAS is an independent predictor of cardiovascular events and cardiovascular disease-related mortality in patients with…

Physicians Report Need for Consensus Treatment Guidelines for Children with AAV

Doctors involved in treating children with antineutrophil cytpolasmic antibody (ANCA)-associated vasculitis (AAV) have revealed the unmet need for evidence-based treatment guidelines that improve the management and outcomes of their patients, a new international survey revealed. The study, “Clinical practice variation and need for pediatric-specific treatment guidelines among rheumatologists…

Research Collaboration in Rare Diseases Is Key to Improving Lives of Patients, Analysis Finds

International collaboration on research into rare diseases like antineutrophil cytoplasmic antibody (ANCA)-associated vasculitis is fundamental to improving the health and lives of patients, a new study suggests. The review, titled “The importance of international collaboration for rare diseases research: a European perspective,” was published in the journal…

Rituxan May Increase Risk for Severe Infections in AAV Patients, Retrospective Study Suggests

In patients with anti-neutrophil cytoplasmic antibody (ANCA)-associated vasculitis (AAV), Rituxan (rituximab) may lead to general decrease in antibody levels, increasing their risk for infections, finds a single-center retrospective study. The study, “Immunoglobulin levels and infection risk with rituximab induction for anti-neutrophil cytoplasmic antibody-associated vasculitis,” appeared in…