Antineutrophil cytoplasmic antibody (ANCA)-associated vasculitis (AAV), including granulomatosis with polyangiitis (Wegener’s) (GPA) and microscopic polyangiitis (MPA), is a small-to-medium... Show moreAntineutrophil cytoplasmic antibody (ANCA)-associated vasculitis (AAV), including granulomatosis with polyangiitis (Wegener’s) (GPA) and microscopic polyangiitis (MPA), is a small-to-medium vessel vasculitis that affect multiple organs and is life-threatening when untreated. In this thesis, several aspects of ANCA-associated vasculitis concerning genetics, clinical and histopathological classification, treatment and long-term outcome were investigated. Show less
ANCA-associated vasculitis (AAV) is a systemic autoimmune disease which is associated with increased risk of mortality and morbidity. The outcomes of patients with AAV have improved... Show moreANCA-associated vasculitis (AAV) is a systemic autoimmune disease which is associated with increased risk of mortality and morbidity. The outcomes of patients with AAV have improved substantially as a consequence of earlier detection of the disease and more sophisticated therapy regimens. Despite these advances, the disease influences the lives of patients substantially. Therefore, this thesis focused on prognosis and outcomes with the aim to further improve the outcomes of patients with AAV. Show less
