EULAR recommendations for the management of primary small and medium vessel vasculitis

TLDR

The study aimed to develop EULAR recommendations for managing small and medium vessel vasculitis. An international expert panel used a modified Delphi approach to conduct systematic literature searches on ten topics and formulate consensus‑based recommendations following EULAR operating procedures. Fifteen recommendations were issued, with their strength constrained by low‑quality evidence and EULAR guidelines, providing guidance on evaluation, investigation, treatment, and monitoring in routine practice.

Abstract

Objectives: To develop European League Against Rheumatism (EULAR) recommendations for the management of small and medium vessel vasculitis. Methods: An expert group (consisting of 10 rheumatologists, 3 nephrologists, 2 immunologists, 2 internists representing 8 European countries and the USA, a clinical epidemiologist and a representative from a drug regulatory agency) identified 10 topics for a systematic literature search using a modified Delphi technique. In accordance with standardised EULAR operating procedures, recommendations were derived for the management of small and medium vessel vasculitis. In the absence of evidence, recommendations were formulated on the basis of a consensus opinion. Results: In all, 15 recommendations were made for the management of small and medium vessel vasculitis. The strength of recommendations was restricted by low quality of evidence and by EULAR standardised operating procedures. Conclusions: On the basis of evidence and expert consensus, recommendations have been made for the evaluation, investigation, treatment and monitoring of patients with small and medium vessel vasculitis for use in everyday clinical practice.