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Antineutrophil cytoplasmic antibody (ANCA)–associated vasculitides are multisystem diseases with significant potential for morbidity and mortality. This group includes Wegener granulomatosis, microscopic polyarteritis, and Churg-Strauss granulomatosis. Traditional therapy includes corticosteroids and immunosuppressive agents. The search for safer yet effective treatments continues, particularly in this era of biologic therapies. Etanercept was not effective in earlier studies, and patients developed significant adverse reactions (see JW Dermatol Mar 2 2005). Preliminary studies have demonstrated that rituximab, a chimeric monoclonal antibody that targets CD20+ B cells, might be effective for ANCA-associated vasculitis.
The authors of this re…