Induction therapy with cyclophosphamide and rituximab allows for early discontinuation, without compromising efficacy, of an oral-only glucocorticoid regimen in people with severe ANCA-associated vasculitis (AAV), a study found. Patients on oral glucocorticoids for up to three months showed comparable remission and relapse rates, but tended to have fewer infections…
AAV combo therapy allows for early glucocorticoid withdrawal
Lynette Matson, left, provides care for her wife, Laure Larkin, who has granulomatosis with polyangiitis and liver problems. (Photos courtesy of Lynette Matson) This is Lynette Matson’s story: Before my wife was diagnosed with granulomatosis with polyangiitis (GPA), I thought being a caregiver meant fluffing pillows, offering…
Blood levels of CCL23, an immune molecule that may be involved in blood vessel formation and repair, are significantly increased in people with ANCA-associated vasculitis (AAV) relative to healthy people, a study finds. High blood CCL23 levels accurately differentiate people with active AAV from those in remission and increase…
Spoiler alert: I think, in the end, only the person living with a chronic disease can soothe themselves. The other day, my wife, Pam, and I had one of our car conversations. You know the kind — where the road ahead somehow makes it easier to see things clearly. Sometimes…
Laure Larkin, left, and her wife, Lynette Matson, celebrate their anniversary. (Photos courtesy of Laure Larkin) This is Laure Larkin’s story: It all started with what seemed like a stubborn sinus infection and a chest X-ray that raised some eyebrows. No big deal, right? Fast forward a couple of…
Older age and higher glucocorticoid exposure are significantly associated with a higher risk of death due to infections among people with ANCA-associated vasculitis (AAV), a study showed. Patients older than 65 were more likely to die from complications of life-threatening infections, which can result from using immunosuppressive therapies to…
John Stadler poses for a photo at his home. (Photos courtesy of John Stadler) This is John Stadler’s story: My journey with vasculitis has been both a challenge and a profound learning experience, filled with emotional ups and downs. I was diagnosed…
Personal stories, community connections, and encouraging videos will be among the highlights as patients, doctors, researchers, and advocates recognize International Vasculitis Day on May 15 and the rest of Vasculitis Awareness Month. Vasculitis is a group of rare autoimmune diseases characterized by inflammation and damage to blood vessels. Most…
I’ve come to realize that there is no single way to live with a chronic illness like ANCA vasculitis. There are countless realities and processes people use to navigate such a life-altering diagnosis. Some dive into research, anchoring themselves in science, facts, and clinical studies, finding comfort in…
Jordyn, left, and Cody Blagg, five months before Jordyn’s diagnosis. (Photos courtesy of Cody Blagg) This is Cody Blagg’s story: It’s complicated. As I sit here in the emergency room with my wife, Jordyn (our favorite kind of date night), I wanted to write out the thoughts I’ve had…
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