The Long-term Outcomes of Systemic Vasculitis
The Long-term Outcomes of Systemic Vasculitis
Patients with a PR3- or MPO-ANCA-associated vasculitis seem to have a more favourable long-term outcome today. But a lot still needs to be achieved and in particular the goal of finding a cure remains elusive. Early diagnosis is important in particular before end-stage renal failure is reached. Older patients have a worse outcome, but younger patients should nevertheless be monitored carefully. The intensity of immune suppression should be chosen to be sufficient to control disease manifestations and prevent relapse but also to avoid infection and malignancy. The optimal duration of remission maintenance therapy to achieve this goal is currently unclear.
Conclusions
Patients with a PR3- or MPO-ANCA-associated vasculitis seem to have a more favourable long-term outcome today. But a lot still needs to be achieved and in particular the goal of finding a cure remains elusive. Early diagnosis is important in particular before end-stage renal failure is reached. Older patients have a worse outcome, but younger patients should nevertheless be monitored carefully. The intensity of immune suppression should be chosen to be sufficient to control disease manifestations and prevent relapse but also to avoid infection and malignancy. The optimal duration of remission maintenance therapy to achieve this goal is currently unclear.