What we are studying

ANCA-associated vasculitis (AAV) is a small-to-medium vessel vasculitis that has a tendency to affect the sinuses, kidneys, lungs, and other major organs. Its manifestations can range from relatively mild to life-threatening. AAV is an umbrella term that includes granulomatosis with polyangiitis (GPA, formerly Wegener’s granulomatosis), microscopic polyangiitis (MPA), as well as eosinophilic granulomatosis with polyangiitis (EGPA). The majority of patients with GPA, MPA, and EGPA have Anti-neutrophil Cytoplasmic Autoantibodies (ANCA).

We plan to prospectively assess outcomes, including response to treatment, disease relapse, development of cardiovascular disease, and death. We also plan to assess complications such as infections and other treatment-related adverse events. Optional repeat blood sample collection further helps us identify new biomarkers to idenitfy disease activity, and assess managment strategies.

Why it is important

For ANCA-associated vasculitis (AAV), patient-reported outcome measures (both general and disease-specific) have not been well studied. Despite important advances in recent years, much remains to be understood about the patient experience with AAV and how we can imporve patient-centered outcomes. To further imporve care, we need to identify new biomarkers and treatments.

What we hope to accomplish

Through this cohort study we hope to develop a registry of patients living with AAV over time to see how their experience changes over time and what factors may be contributing to those changes. We also hope to identify new biomarkers and managment strategies using blood samples that will be collected from some patients.