Struggling with fantasy vs. reality as an ANCA vasculitis parent

Struggling with fantasy vs. reality as an ANCA vasculitis parent

Karna Karlsrud, left, poses for a photo with her daughter, Clea, who has vasculitis. (Photos courtesy of Karna Karlsrud) This is Karna Karlsrud’s story: When I adopted my beautiful daughter, Clea, 23 years ago, the social worker told me in many conversations that fantasy is worse than reality, so…

Navigating life on the up-and-down journey that’s vasculitis

Kathy Olevsky prepares to record a Vasculitis Foundation medical webinar in her office. (Photos courtesy of Kathy Olevsky) This is Kathy Olevsky’s story: In late 2008, I was diagnosed with microscopic polyangiitis or MPA. It plunged me into a 21-day hospital stay, including time in intensive care, filled…

Rituximab cuts recurrence risk in subglottic stenosis surgery: Study

Rituximab is superior to other immunosuppressive treatments at preventing post-surgery relapse in granulomatosis with polyangiitis (GPA) patients undergoing surgery to address subglottic stenosis, a common complication that causes airway narrowing. That’s according to a study that analyzed data from 25 GPA patients who were followed for more than…

Making the most of life, even after the plot twist of vasculitis

Ioana Miclea has eosinophilic granulomatosis with polyangiitis. (Photos courtesy of Ioana Miclea) This is Ioana Miclea’s story. So, picture this: I’m Ioana, your quintessential 20-something girl, living it up with nights out, camping escapades, and a newfound love for festivals. And I’m jamming out to some meme song I…

Amgen readies for Phase 3 study of Tavneos in children with AAV

Amgen is planning to launch a Phase 3 clinical trial testing Tavneos (avacopan) — its approved therapy for adults with ANCA-associated vasculitis (AAV) — in combination with a standard regimen of rituximab or cyclophosphamide in children and adolescents with active AAV. That’s according to a company press release…

Picking up the pieces after my vasculitis diagnosis

Janice Barnett poses with a textile piece in the making. (Photos courtesy of Janice Barnett) This is Janice Barnett’s story: My diagnosis of eosinophilic granulomatosis with polyangiitis, formerly known as Churg-Strauss syndrome, in December 2021 plunged me into a state of utter disbelief. I was fit and…

Vasculitis Awareness Month aims to put focus on community voices

May will be an activity-filled month for people living with vasculitis — and for doctors, researchers, and advocates in the field — as the world recognizes Vasculitis Awareness Month (VAM), and International Vasculitis Day on May 15. Vasculitis is a group of rare autoimmune diseases characterized by inflammation and damage…