CURRENT TRENDS IN CLASSIFICATION AND TREATMENT OF SYSTEMIC VASCULITIS ASSOCIATED WITH ANTI-NEUTROPHILIC CYTOPLASMIC ANTIBODIES: RESULTS OF 2011

Abstract

Systemic vasculitis (SV) pathogenetically associated with anti-neutrophilic cytoplasmic antibodies (ANCA) is the subject of intensive research in present-day rheumatology. There were noticeable changes in ANCA-associated SV (ANCA-SV) nomenclature in 2011 as well as mid-term success was achieved in the study of biological anti-B-cell therapy in this disease. European recommendations on rituximab administration in ANCA-SV have been developed. Russian Register of ANCA-SV patients on rituximab treatment is presented. State-of-the art in ANCA-SV research is reviewed.

Keywords

• anti-neutrophilic cytoplasmic antibodies
• systemic vasculitis
• classification
• treatment