ANCA-associated renal vasculitis at the end of the twentieth century—a disease of older patients

Abstract

ANCA-associated vasculitis occurs frequently in older patients and physicians should maintain a high index of suspicion. Older patients have a poorer prognosis due to more severe renal involvement and increased sensitivity to adverse effects of treatment. This study highlights the importance of careful dosing of cyclophosphamide: in those aged over 65 yr a 25% dose reduction is safe and reduces the risk of leucopenia. This study further highlights the importance of renal function on prognosis and the need for less toxic treatment regimens.