COVID-19 Suspected Cause of Girl’s ANCA-associated Vasculitis

A 16-year-old girl developed granulomatosis with polyangiitis (GPA), a type of anti-neutrophil cytoplasmic autoantibody (ANCA)-associated vasculitis (AAV), after being infected with SARS-COV-2, the virus that causes COVID-19, according to a recent case report. Hers is the fourth known case of pediatric-onset AAV following COVID-19 infection, suggesting the virus could…

I’ll never forget an irritating incident in Colorado Springs, Colorado, a few years ago. I was touring for my nonprofit, Violin for Vasculitis (now on hiatus due to the complexities of COVID-19). For this project, I would give a public music recital, share the story of my…

Tavneos (avacopan) will soon be available as an add-on treatment for adults in England, Wales, and Northern Ireland with severe, active granulomatosis polyangiitis (GPA) or microscopic polyangiitis (MPA), the two main types of ANCA vasculitis (AAV), following a decision by regulatory authorities. The National Institute for Health and…

Men with ANCA-associated vasculitis (AAV) have a 1.54 times higher risk of dying within one year than female patients, a new study finds. According to authors, “this [finding] may provide a reliable predictor for clinicians to judge the prognosis and select active treatment for patients with AAV.” The report,…

I can feel the ominous darkness gathering. I dread it. Usually, I hold authority over my reactions to emotion. Though sadness and hopelessness aren’t controllable, I’ve developed the tools to mitigate their heaviness. They’re all too common with a vasculitis diagnosis. The ominous dread is my mental state,…

The number of ANCA-associated vasculitis (AAV) cases in Spain more than doubled between 2019 and 2021 following mass-scale vaccination against SARS-CoV-2, the virus that causes COVID-19, a new study found, suggesting the vaccine as a possible trigger. Researchers suspect the development of ANCA antibodies and AAV could be among…

After approximately $3.7 billion in acquisitions, Amgen will own the rights to Tavneos (avacopan), an approved oral therapy developed by ChemoCentryx to treat ANCA-associated vasculitis (AAV). Amgen is acquiring ChemoCentryx in a cash deal, expected to be completed by year’s end, the companies announced. “The acquisition of ChemoCentryx represents a…

One of my roommates moved out this week, so I’m spending all my free time cleaning house. It’s a lot of upheaval — boxes stacked in every available corner and on the dining room table, personal belongings misplaced, and a sense of general chaos. I know it’s temporary, but it…

An increase in ANCA antibodies may predict a relapse within six to 12 months in people with ANCA-associated vasculitis (AAV), according to a new study. The link between an antibody rise and AAV relapse was found to be significant in patients with myeloperoxidase (MPO)-ANCAs, or antibodies against…

A combination of lab tests commonly used to diagnose ANCA-associated vasculitis (AAV) may be able to accurately predict the long-term prognosis of patients and maybe select those needing more aggressive treatment, according to a 15-year study in China. The study, “Long-Term Prognostic Factors in Patients With Antineutrophil…