RT Journal Article
SR Electronic
A1 Kuznar, Wayne
T1 Rituximab or Cyclophosphamide for ANCA-Associated Vasculitis?
JF MD Conference Express
YR 2012
FD SAGE Publications
VO 12
IS 19
SP 4
OP 6
DO 10.1177/155989771219001
UL http://mdc.sagepub.com/content/12/19/4.abstract
AB A few decades ago, antineutrophil cytoplasmic antibody (ANCA)-associated vasculitide—granulomatosis with polyangiitis, polyangiitis, and microscopic polyangiitis—were associated with high rates of mortality. Tremendous strides have since been made in treating these diseases. The use of less toxic immunosuppressant drugs has improved the outcomes of patients, and, in recent years, the development of biologic agents and a better understanding of disease pathogenesis have contributed to the discovery of rituximab as an effective alternative to the immunosuppressive cyclophosphamide to induce remission in ANCA-associated vasculitis.