Outcome of polyarteritis nodosa and Churg-Strauss syndrome. An analysis of twenty-five patients.
OBJECTIVE
To compare outcome in patients with polyarteritis nodosa (PAN) and patients with Churg-Strauss syndrome (CSS) followed up at a single center.


METHODS
A retrospective data review of 13 patients with PAN and 12 patients with CSS who were followed up at a vasculitis clinic. Outcome measures included a global damage index, disability and pain dimensions of the Health Assessment Questionnaire, and mortality rate.


RESULTS
Compared with patients with CSS, patients with PAN had a significantly higher mean damage index score (5.15 versus 2.42; P = 0.011), a higher disability score (1.09 versus 0.16; P = 0.007), and a higher pain score (1.04 versus 0.01; P = 0.017). Patients with PAN had more relapses (relative risk = 5.07; P < 0.000) and a higher mortality rate (31%) compared with patients with CSS (8%).


CONCLUSIONS
PAN and CSS differ in their morbidity and mortality; therefore, they should be considered as distinct clinical entities.
Abu-Shakra
M
M
Wellesley Hospital, Toronto, Ontario, Canada.
Smythe
H
H
Lewtas
J
J
Badley
E
E
Weber
D
D
Keystone
E
E
D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D015267:Churg-Strauss Syndrome / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000503:physiopathology*; D005260:Female; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D006801:Humans; D008137:Longitudinal Studies; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D010488:Polyarteritis Nodosa / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000503:physiopathology*; D011446:Prospective Studies; D012720:Severity of Illness Index; D016896:Treatment Outcome