Patient Outcomes in Renal-Limited Antineutrophil Cytoplasmic Antibody Vasculitis With Inactive Histology

Little is known about the anticipated disease course for individuals who present with renal-limited antineutrophil cytoplasmic antibody (ANCA)-associated vasculitis but who lack inflammation on a kidney biopsy. The impact of immunosuppression on renal and overall survival is unknown.

Patients were recruited from 2005 to 2016 from 8 centers worldwide (N = 16) for this descriptive study. All had positive ANCA, elevated serum creatinine with active urine sediment, histologic evidence of pauci-immune glomerulonephritis without active lesions, and had no evidence of extrarenal vasculitis. We describe the characteristics of this cohort and the differences in the clinical, histologic, and therapeutic parameters of those who developed primary outcomes of end-stage renal disease (ESRD) and vasculitis relapse.

The cohort was 63% Caucasian, and 75% were men, with a median age of 62 years. At entry, the mean ± SD estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) was 24 ± 20 ml/min per 1.73 m², and 5 patients required dialysis. Twelve patients received immunosuppressive therapy, 25% experienced disease relapse, and 38% developed ESRD. Patients who developed ESRD had lower baseline eGFRs (8 ± 5 ml/min per 1.73 m² vs. 35 ± 18 ml/min per 1.73 m²; P = 0.001) and more often required dialysis at presentation (83% vs. 0%; P = 0.001). Patients who relapsed were less likely to receive immunosuppression (25% for the relapsed group vs. 92% for the nonrelapsed group; relative risk: 0.27, risk difference: 67%; P = 0.03).

Among these patients, lower initial eGFR and dialysis dependence at presentation might increase the risk for ESRD. Immunosuppression did not affect renal outcomes in this sample of patients but was associated with a reduced risk for vasculitis relapse. More information is needed on factors that predict treatment response in this high-risk group.