The term systemic vasculitis describes a heterogenous group of conditions characterized by the inflammation of blood vessels. Vasculitis can occur in any system of the body leading to organ damage and mortality. Immunosuppressivetherapies may improve clinical outcomes but are associated with undesirable side effects. 1-4 New therapeutic innovation is the key to success in managing vasculitis patients.
There have been exciting breakthroughs in the research of vasculitis in the recent years. While the widely used therapeutic options were further studied nowadays.We have learnt more about the effects and limitations of rituximab and plasmapheresis in ANCA associated vasculitis. 5-9 On the other hand, novel therapeutic targets were studied and showing promising results. It became possible nowadays to induce remission in ANCA associated vasculitis without exposing our patients to excessive glucocorticoids with the use of C5a receptor inhibitor. 10 We are so privileged to witness how these scientific efforts can translate into meaningful clinical difference in our patients. These promising results showed us the potential of further advancement in vasculitis.
However, conducting vasculitis research is difficult given the rarity and heterogenicity of the diseases. The Vasculitis SIG aims to provide a platform for experts from different hospitals to exchange information and share experience. From case sharing, conducting muti-center study to setting up a territory-wide registry, we hope to promote collaboration among experts with the same interest.
With joint efforts, I believe we can navigate the unknown together.
Wong SPY, Mok CC, Lau CS, et al. Clinical presentation, treatment and outcome of Takayasu’s arteritis in southern Chinese: a multicenter retrospective study. Rheumatol Int. 2018;38(12):2263-2270.
