ISN South Asia Regional Board Webinar: ANCA-associated Vasculitis – Current Understanding and Treatment

Antineutrophilic cytoplasmic antibody (ANCA)-associated vasculitides are a heterogeneous group of rare autoimmune conditions that cause inflammation of blood vessels with various manifestations mainly involving the kidney and lung. The incidence is 10-20 cases per million population, mainly affecting people in the 5th decade of life.

ANCA-associated Vasculitis includes three main diseases: granulomatosis with polyangiitis, microscopic polyangiitis (MPA), and eosinophilic granulomatosis with polyangiitis. Kidney involvement manifests as rapidly progressive renal failure and crescentic glomerulonephritis. Delay in treatment may be life-threatening and may result in permanent renal failure. Treatment includes induction regimens with steroids, followed by a maintenance regimen. Plasmapheresis during the induction phase remains controversial with differing evidence in MEPEX and PLEXIVAS trials. The webinar will explore pros and cons of each aspect of management.