The most common types of ANCA-associated vasculitis (AAV) show distinctive activity patterns of type I interferons (IFN-I), a group of immune signaling molecules, suggesting a possible route for individualized monitoring and treatment strategies, a study reports. People with microscopic polyangiitis (MPA) and associated kidney disease had more IFN-I…
An increase in blood levels of a self-reactive antibody called MPO-ANCA predicted the return of ANCA-associated vasculitis (AAV) symptoms within months in most patients in a Belgian study. None of the patients whose MPO-ANCA levels decreased and remained undetectable in blood experienced relapses, data showed. “Monitoring MPO-ANCA levels in…
“Make new friends, but keep the old. One is silver and the other gold.” If you were ever in Girl Scouts, you probably just started humming that tune in your head. I know I did as I typed it out, and it brought back such warm memories. Last month, my…
A reduced dose of obinutuzumab, an immunosuppressant approved for certain blood cancers, safely helped most adults with ANCA-associated vasculitis (AAV) achieve sustained disease remission, while reducing their need for standard glucocorticoids. That’s according to a single-center study in China involving 12 adults with hard-to-treat AAV and four adults with…
About half of the patients who began dialysis due to kidney disease from ANCA-associated vasculitis (AAV) could stop it within a year, with outcomes improving further in those treated with plasma exchange, a procedure that removes harmful antibodies from the blood, according to a study. “The need for dialysis…
A combination of rituximab (sold as Rituxan and biosimilars) and low-dose glucocorticoids may safely stabilize interstitial lung disease (ILD) related to ANCA-associated vasculitis (AAV), according to a small proof-of-concept study by researchers in Italy. After a year of this therapeutic regimen, the study’s participants saw a significant reduction…
People with ANCA-associated vasculitis (AAV) are at a higher risk of developing certain types of cancer, particularly bladder, blood, kidney, and skin cancers, according to a meta-analysis of published studies. Men with AAV had a significantly elevated risk — 2.1 times higher — while no such increase was observed in…
Tavneos (avacopan) plus a short course of glucocorticoids is as effective as glucocorticoids alone for treating rapidly progressive glomerulonephritis (RPGN), a severe kidney disease, in adults with ANCA-associated vasculitis (AAV), a study reports. “At month 6, patients receiving [Tavneos] and transient or low doses of GCs [glucocorticoids] have…
Four proteins in the kidneys likely contribute to the development of ANCA-associated vasculitis (AAV), and may be used as diagnostic markers and targets of potential therapies, a study found. The proteins — PDK4, PPARGC1A, FN1, and PSMB10 — are “novel biomarkers that may refine our understanding and management of AAV,”…
I’m a big fan of talk therapy. Always have been. I believe an outside person can offer perspective, honesty, support, and the chance for real healing. I’ve joked for years that every baby should have a “therapy trust fund” so that when they’re ready, they have the means to seek…
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