Treatment of vascularides with antineutrophil cytoplasmic autoantibodies

Diagnosis of renal involvement: The diagnosis of renal involvement in patie nts with Wegener's disease and microscopic polyangeitis is facilitated with the search for antineutrophil cytoplasmic autoantibodies (ANCA) but still requires biopsy for confirmation. Two therapeutic phases: Induction should be initiated immediately, and gene rally leads to initial remission. Long-term treatment is then needed to red uce the risk of recurrence and relapse. Follow-up: Close monitoring of ANCA levels is import ant in these patients. Several protocols are currently under evaluation with the aim of limiting immunosuppression toxicity.