Update on granulomatosis with polyangitis (GPA, Wegener's granulomatosis)].

Granulomatosis with polyangitis (GPA, Wegener's granulomatosis) is characterized by a granulomatous inflammation of the respiratory tract and a necrotizing ANCA-associated small to medium-size vessel vasculitis with a predilection for the lungs (pulmonary capillaritis) and kidneys (necrotizing glomerulonephritis). The disease evolves stage-wise and typically starts as inflammation of the respiratory tract followed by development of systemic vasculitis manifestations. Today, treatment is evidence-based and adapted according to activity and disease stage which has resulted in a significant improvement in long-term outcome. Early mortality during the first year of treatment poses one of the main problems and is a result of infections under immunosuppressive treatment. Furthermore, treatment of refractory disease activity which is often represented by granulomatous manifestations is still a challenge and may result in significant organ damage if not treated successfully.

Citation

J U Holle, E Reinhold-Keller, W L Gross. Update on granulomatosis with polyangitis (GPA, Wegener's granulomatosis)]. Zeitschrift fur Rheumatologie. 2012 Nov;71(9):745-53

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PMID: 23138551

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