Autoantibodies Predict Relapse in Patients with ANCA-Associated Vasculitis Involving the Kidneys

Among 166 patients with ANCA-associated vasculitis who were followed for an average of 49 months, autoantibody increases were linked with an 11-fold increased risk of relapse in patients whose kidneys were affected. Among patients without kidney involvement, such increases were associated only weakly with relapses. The findings are published in JASN. Patients with ANCA-associated vasculitis produce antibodies that damage blood vessels in the body.