Prophylaxis after relapse of ANCA-associated vasculitis

[Joachim]

ANCA-associated vasculitis (AAV) is an autoimmune disease involving vascular inflammation and the formation of autoantibodies (anti-neutrophil cytoplasmic antibodies—ANCA). AAV diseases include a variety of conditions accompanied by the involvement of different organs. The kidneys, lungs and upper respiratory tract are most frequently affected, as are the heart, skin and nervous system. Severe, potentially life-threatening courses of disease are feared. Therapy is with immunosuppressants; conjunctive therapy with glucocorticoids and rituximab (RTX, a monoclonal anti-CD20 antibody) is frequently used for initial remission induction. Recurrent episodes of AAV are not uncommon, especially if relapses have occurred in the past. As the effect of RTX is not persistent, maintenance therapy is required.

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