Treatments

In theory, vasculitis caused by immune complexes (cryoglobulinemia, polyarteritis nodosa, Henoch-Schoenlein purpura, and vasculitis associated with rheumatoid arthritis, lupus, or Sjogren’s syndrome) could get either better or worse with IVIG. Worsening of cryoglobulinemic vasculitis after IVIG (or rituximab, for the same reason) has been reported....

This drug is still considered investigational and is not generally available. It has been studied in small numbers of patients with Churg-Strauss syndrome and hypereosinophilic syndromes, and although it has appeared safe in these studies, the numbers of patients are too small to draw any conclusions about safety and side…...

Yes, a saddle nose deformity can be repaired as long as the underlying vasculitis is not active. This would require consultation with a surgeon – oftentimes an ear nose and throat (ENT) specialist who could discuss this option with you....

There is no clear data on alternative therapies for vasculitis. Since we do not know the immunologic effects of medications such as over-the-counter supplements, they may be associated with unwanted effects related to stimulation of the immune system....

Mepolizumab is an IL-5-blocking antibody and there is enthusiasm for studying it in EGPA/Churg-Strauss. Trials have been proposed, but I do not whether and when they will start....