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Published on: September 12, 2016
Might maintenance therapy be discontinued once clinical remission is achieved in ANCA-associated vasculitis?
Dario Roccatello1, Roberto Padoan2, Savino Sciascia1
1University Center of Excellence on Nephrologic, Rheumatologic and Rare Diseases (ERK-Net, ERN-Reconnet and ERN-RITA Member) with Nephrology and Dialysis Unit and Center of Immuno-Rheumatology and Rare Diseases (CMID), Coordinating Center of the Interregional Network for Rare Diseases of Piedmont and Aosta Valley, San Giovanni Bosco Hub Hospital, ASL Città di Torino and University of Torino, Turin, Italy.
Abstract:
Anti-neutrophil cytoplasmic antibody (ANCA)-associated vasculitis (AAV) encompasses a group of rare, multisystem autoimmune disorders characterised by the occurrence of inflammation and damage to small blood vessels, leading to a wide range of clinical manifestations. They include granulomatosis with polyangiitis (GPA) and microscopic polyangiitis (MPA). Outcomes for patients with MPA and GPA have been transformed over recent years. However, the establishment of effective maintenance therapy aiming to balance the risks of disease relapse with those related to prolonged immunosuppression has become a clinical priority. This review aims to explore two differing perspectives on this unsolved problem. Pros and Cons of the following approaches will be discussed: "Biomarker-guided personalised approach on top of generic maintenance strategy guidelines" or "ANCA specificity-related personalised maintenance treatment after intensive B-cell depletion"?
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