Monitoring the activity of anca-associated vasculitis: some questionnaires and laboratory parameters

Systemic vasculitis is a group of diseases manifested by symptoms from many organs. ANCA-associated vasculitis (AAV) require chronic and often aggressive immunosuppressive treatment. This treatment should be adapted to the disease activity. Assessment of AAV is based on various disease activity questionnaires which contain clinical symptoms of the disease and lab results. The most useful questionnaire is BVAS version 3 (Birmingham Vasculitis Activity Score). In every patients, distinction between activity of AAV and irreversible damage is needed. ANCA antibodies are a predictor of poor prognosis in some patients. Using of these antibodies in monitoring of AAV activity has got minor importance.