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Current status of the treatment of microscopic polyangiitis and granulomatosis with polyangiitis in Japan

Koichi Sugiyama1, Ken-ei Sada, Michiko Kurosawa

  • 1Department of Medicine and Clinical Science, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, 2-5-1 Shikata-cho, Kita-ku, Okayama 700-8558, Japan.

Clinical and Experimental Nephrology
|July 5, 2012
PubMed
Abstract

Insights

This study describes the epidemiology of microscopic polyangiitis (MPA) and granulomatosis with polyangiitis (GPA) in Japan. Findings highlight distinct features in the Japanese population, including less common cyclophosphamide (CY) use and plasma exchange for renal dysfunction.

Area of Science:

  • Rheumatology
  • Epidemiology
  • Vasculitis

Background:

  • Microscopic polyangiitis (MPA) and granulomatosis with polyangiitis (GPA) are rare systemic vasculitides.
  • Understanding their epidemiologic characteristics is crucial for public health and clinical management.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To describe the epidemiologic characteristics of MPA and GPA in Japan.
  • To identify specific features of these diseases within the Japanese population.

Main Methods:

  • Utilized the Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare (MHLW) database from 2006-2008.
  • Analyzed data from 938 patients diagnosed with MPA (n=697) or GPA (n=241) meeting MHLW criteria.

Main Results:

  • MPA patients were older (mean age 69.4 years) than GPA patients (mean age 58.4 years).
  • Common symptoms included renal and chest involvement in MPA, and ENT, chest, and renal involvement in GPA.
  • Cyclophosphamide (CY) use was less frequent in MPA (22.2%) than GPA (58.5%), associated with specific clinical features in each disease.

Conclusions:

  • MPA dominance and reduced renal involvement in GPA are notable in Japan.
  • Japanese clinical practice shows less common CY use and increased plasma exchange for renal impairment in MPA and GPA.

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