Measuring the creatinine level in the blood provides an indicator of how well your kidneys are working. Higher creatinine levels mean worse kidney function. When you have a form of vasculitis affecting the kidneys, small filtering parts of your kidneys (glomeruli) are gradually being injured by your disease. The purpose…...
How do I predict relapse in EGPA/Churg Strauss syndrome?
It can be hard to determine relapses in EGPA/Churg Strauss syndrome. A return of sinus symptoms and asthma is very common, but these but may not represent active vasculitis. These symptoms may require treatment with prednisone and are commonly the rate-limiting features in being able to reduce the prednisone dose…...
In ANCA-associated vasculitis (EGPA, GPA and MPA), do increases in the ANCA predict disease relapse?
A general and over-simplified answer is: no. This answer is based on the statistical analysis of large groups of patients followed prospectively in clinical trials. The results from these studies have led to the general opinion held by vasculitis experts that treatment decisions should not be made based on changes…...
Do increases in the sedimentation rate or C-reactive protein predict relapse of vasculitis?
Increases in the sedimentation rate and/or C-reactive protein do not predict disease relapses. The sedimentation rate, more formally termed the erythrocyte sedimentation rate, also known as the “ESR” or “sed rate,” and the C-reactive protein (or “CRP”) are non-specific markers of inflammation. They are usually, but not always, elevated at…...
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