ANCA-associated Vasculitis: Crossdisciplinary Considerations to Optimize Patient Care

Diagnosis and management of ANCA-associated vasculitis (AAV) presents substantial diagnostic and therapeutic challenges. Underdiagnosis and undertreatment of AAV are associated with a dismal prognosis and a high mortality rate. Therefore, accurate and timely diagnosis, together with early initiation of appropriate treatment, are key to improving patient outcomes. Given the combinations of clinical, radiologic, serological and histopathological features of AAV across a wide range of organ systems, a multidisciplinary approach for diagnosis and management is ideal.

In this CME activity, experts discuss approaches for the differential diagnosis of AAV, the safety and efficacy profiles of currently available therapies and the clinical management of patients with comorbidities, as well as the value of a multidisciplinary team approach to diagnosis and treatment.

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Learning Objectives:

• Upon successful completion of this educational activity, participants should be better able to:
• Define a rational approach for the differential diagnosis of ANCA-associated vasculitis.
• Select pharmacotherapies for patients with ANCA-associated vasculitis based upon up-to-date clinical evidence regarding their safety and efficacy profiles.
• Apply knowledge of clinical data so as to ensure safety and efficacy when prescribing treatments for patients with ANCA-associated vasculitis and comorbidities.
• Explain the rationale for a multidisciplinary team approach in the diagnosis and management of ANCA-related vasculitis.

Overview

Author(s)/Faculty: Leonard H. Calabrese, DO; William Franklin Pendergraft III, MD, PhD; Ulrich Specks, MD
Source: Healio Rheumatology Education Lab
Type: Multimedia
Articles/Items: 3
Release Date: 10/17/2015
Expiration Date: 10/16/2016
Credit Type: CME
Number of Credits: 1
Cost: Free
Provider: Vindico Medical Education

CME Information

Provider Statement: This continuing medical education activity is provided by Vindico Medical Education.
Support Statement: This activity is supported by educational grants from from Genentech, Inc.
Target Audience: The intended audience for the activity is rheumatologists, nephrologists, pulmonologists, and other health care professionals involved in the treatment of patients with ANCA-associated vasculitis.