Clinical and anamnestic features of patients with systemic vasculitis: a single-center retrospective study.

Systemic vasculitides are the most complex and problematic autoimmune rheumatic diseases characterized by affections of large, medium, or small vessels. Although the immunopathogenesis of vasculitides is thoroughly studied, the epidemiology and etiology are poorly explored. The main triggers of vasculitides are environmental, genetic, and various infectious factors. Diagnosis of vasculitides is complicated due to the non-specific nature of their symptoms. Vasculitides affect various organ systems with abrupt or slow (weeks-months) development of symptoms. This study aims to analyze the demographic and clinical-anamnestic characteristics of patients with systemic vasculitides in a single centre before and during the COVID-19 pandemic in Kazakhstan. A single-centre retrospective study of medical records of 80 patients above 18 years was conducted in the Almaty City Rheumatology Center. Medical records of 24 males (30%) and 56 females (70%) with systemic vasculitides, diagnosed from January 2019 to December 2021, were analyzed. Age, gender, damaged organ systems, disability, concomitant diseases, disease experience, laboratory data, and other variables were recorded. The records of hospitalized patients with systemic vasculitides were analyzed. Of 80 patients registered in 2019-2021, the most common were those with IgA vasculitis (n = 32, 40%), Takayasu arteritis (n = 17, 21.25%), and granulomatosis with polyangiitis (n = 12, 15%). Behçet disease was diagnosed less frequently (n = 9, 11.25%). Patients with systemic vasculitides had pre-obesity (n = 19), class 1 obesity (n = 13), and class 2 obesity (n = 2). Musculoskeletal affections were present in 52 patients (65%). Gastrointestinal, cutaneous, and cardiovascular affections were recorded in 45 (56.3%), 37 (46.3%), and 39 (48.8%) cases, respectively. Only 8 patients (10%) had affections of the nervous system. Most patients had elevated C-reactive protein (n = 29, 36.3%) and leukocytosis (n = 33, 41.3%). One-third of patients with vasculitides had a history of abortions. Musculoskeletal, cutaneous, gastrointestinal, and cardiovascular affections are common in patients with systemic vasculitides. Obesity is a frequent comorbidity in vasculitides. Comorbidities and abortions complicate the disease course and its management.

Physicians' perceptions about antineutrophil cytoplasmic antibody-associated vasculitis: an online survey report in the time of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Antineutrophil cytoplasmic antibody (ANCA)-associated vasculitides (AAV) are characterized by necrotizing inflammation of small and medium-size vessels that often manifest with devastating multi-organ effects. They present with a myriad of systemic features and require potent immunosuppression. Since they are uncommonly encountered in clinical practice, it is necessary to understand physicians' knowledge and perceptions about this group of diseases. An online questionnaire was designed featuring 28 questions based on relevant global practice guidelines, recommendations, and previous online surveys on AAV. The questionnaire was validated by a core group of specialists with an interest in AAV. It was shared via social networking sites and entries were restricted to physicians. Only completed entries were analyzed with descriptive statistics. A total of 113 respondents from 21 different countries responded of whom the commonest were rheumatologists, internists, and general practitioners. Forty-five (40%) ran clinics dedicated to AAV patients as a part of their practice. They commented on organs involved in AAV; vasculitis secondary to infections, drugs or other rheumatic diseases; various tests useful for AAV diagnosis; and drug choices for induction and maintenance. They mentioned their experience regarding COVID-19 in AAV patients as well as vasculitic manifestations of COVID-19. Various methods to mitigate cardiovascular risks in AAV were mentioned. Finally, the respondents indicated how medical education needed to be strengthened to increase awareness and knowledge regarding AAV. This survey helped to inform about various perceptions regarding AAV across countries, including current practices and recent evolution of management. It also provided information on treatment of the COVID-19 in AAV patients. This survey showed that there is still a lack in understanding the prevalent definitions and there is gap between guidelines and current practice. Key Points • Perception about ANCA-associated vasculitis differ across countries. • The number of cases encountered across 21 different countries are limited implying a need for multi-national cooperation to study this disease further. • The COVID-19 pandemic has changed the approach towards ANCA-associated vasculitis by the various clinicians.