Related Experiment Video

Updated: Jun 22, 2026

Supervised Machine Learning for Semi-Quantification of Extracellular DNA in Glomerulonephritis
09:16

Supervised Machine Learning for Semi-Quantification of Extracellular DNA in Glomerulonephritis

Published on: June 18, 2020

Recent developments in the classification and assessment of vasculitis

Richard A Watts1, David G I Scott

  • 1School of Medicine, Health Policy and Practice, University of East Anglia, Norwich, UK. richard.watts@uea.ac.uk

Best Practice & Research. Clinical Rheumatology
|June 11, 2009
PubMed

Insights

Systemic vasculitides, characterized by blood vessel inflammation, lack clear causes, complicating classification. New algorithms harmonize existing criteria, but revised classification and diagnostic criteria are essential for clinical trials.

Area of Science:

  • Rheumatology and Immunology
  • Vascular Medicine
  • Clinical Trial Design

Background:

  • Systemic vasculitides are multisystem diseases involving blood vessel inflammation.
  • The exact causes (aetiopathogenesis) remain unknown, leading to descriptive nomenclature and classification based on pathology.
  • Standardized classification is crucial for conducting large-scale clinical trials.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To address the need for revised classification and diagnostic criteria for systemic vasculitides.
  • To harmonize existing classification systems, including the American College of Rheumatology (ACR) 1990 criteria and Chapel Hill Consensus Conference definitions.
  • To highlight the importance of accurate assessment tools in clinical trials and practice.

Main Methods:

  • Development of an algorithm to harmonize the ACR 1990 criteria and Chapel Hill Consensus Conference definitions.
  • Review of existing standardized assessment tools for disease activity and damage.
  • Discussion of the need for novel diagnostic criteria and revised classification schemes.

Main Results:

  • An algorithm has been developed to harmonize current classification definitions.
  • Existing assessment tools are widely used in clinical trials and practice.
  • A need for new diagnostic criteria and revised classification remains.

Conclusions:

  • Harmonization efforts have been made, but revised classification and de novo diagnostic criteria are still required for systemic vasculitides.
  • Accurate and objective assessment tools are critical for effective clinical trials and patient management.
  • Ongoing development of next-generation assessment tools is anticipated.

More Related Videos

A Methodological Approach to Non-invasive Assessments of Vascular Function and Morphology09:33

A Methodological Approach to Non-invasive Assessments of Vascular Function and Morphology

Published on: February 7, 2015

Related Concept Videos

Nephrotic Syndrome II : Assessment and Medical Management01:26

Nephrotic Syndrome II : Assessment and Medical Management

IntroductionNephrotic syndrome is a kidney disorder marked by excessive protein loss in the urine, leading to various systemic complications. This condition often results from damage to the glomeruli—the kidney's filtering units—causing proteinuria, low blood protein levels, and fluid retention. Understanding the assessment, diagnosis, and management of nephrotic syndrome is essential for effective treatment and prevention of further kidney damage.AssessmentPatient History: Document any history...
Rheumatic Heart Disease II: Clinical Manifestations and Diagnostic Studies01:22

Rheumatic Heart Disease II: Clinical Manifestations and Diagnostic Studies

The key clinical manifestations of Rheumatic heart disease (RHD) include several distinct cardiac symptoms.Carditis, a hallmark of acute rheumatic fever, involves inflammation of the heart's endocardium, myocardium, and pericardium. Chronic RHD often results from recurrent episodes of carditis. Its symptoms include the following:Murmurs are caused by valvular damage, especially to the mitral and aortic valves. Mitral stenosis or regurgitation is common, with characteristic heart murmurs...
Venous Thrombosis II: Clinical Manifestations and Diagnostic Studies01:20

Venous Thrombosis II: Clinical Manifestations and Diagnostic Studies

The key difference between Superficial Vein Thrombosis (SVT) and Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVT) lies in their location and severity.Clinical ManifestationsSVT typically presents with localized pain, tenderness, and redness along the course of a superficial vein, often accompanied by a palpable, cord-like structure under the skin. This condition is usually less dangerous than DVT but can be uncomfortable and may lead to complications such as cellulitis or, rarely, a clot extension into the deep...
Peripheral Arterial Disease II: Clinical Manifestations and Diagnostic Evaluation01:21

Peripheral Arterial Disease II: Clinical Manifestations and Diagnostic Evaluation

Clinical manifestationsPeripheral Arterial Disease (PAD) manifests through a range of symptoms, from the characteristic intermittent claudication to atypical presentations and severe complications in advanced stages. Intermittent claudication, a hallmark symptom of PAD, presents as exercise-induced muscle pain that typically resolves within minutes of rest. This pain is reproducible and stems from inadequate blood flow, leading to the accumulation of lactic acid produced during anaerobic...
Myocarditis II: Clinical Features and Diagnostic Tests01:27

Myocarditis II: Clinical Features and Diagnostic Tests

Myocarditis is an inflammation of the heart muscle. The symptoms vary widely, encompassing asymptomatic presentations to severe, acute manifestations.Clinical PresentationAsymptomatic cases: In some instances, myocarditis may be asymptomatic, with the infection resolving without intervention. These cases often go undetected unless discovered incidentally through diagnostic imaging or tests conducted for other reasons.General Early Symptoms: Early symptoms of myocarditis are non-specific and can...
Endocarditis II: Clinical Features of Infective Endocarditis01:25

Endocarditis II: Clinical Features of Infective Endocarditis

Endocarditis can present various clinical features depending on the causative organism and the patient's underlying health conditions. Initially, the clinical features of infective endocarditis develop gradually, presenting with nonspecific symptoms that can be easily mistaken for other illnesses.General SymptomsEarly symptoms of infective endocarditis are fever, chills, weakness, malaise, fatigue, and weight loss. These symptoms reflect the systemic nature of the infection and the body's...