[Wegener's granulomatosis in the elderly patient].
OBJECTIVE
To determine aged-related variations in clinical and biological presentation and outcome in Wegener's granulomatosis.


METHODS
In a retrospective cohort study of 35 patients with a diagnosis of Wegener's granulomatosis, 24 patients (69%) younger than 60 years of age and 11 (31%) aged 60 years or older were compared for clinical and biological characteristics.


RESULTS
Clinical presentation was the same in the two groups; lymphopenia was more common in the elderly group (P > 0.05). Despite a similar treatment regime, outcome was significantly worse for the elderly group (> or = 60 years), with a mortality rate of 36% versus 8% in the control group. Mortality was essentially due to delayed infectious complications, raising the problem of a less intensive immunosuppressive treatment after remission.
Service de médecine interne, hôpital Claude-Huriez, CHRU, place de Verdun, 59037 Lille, France. alfauchais@aol.com
A L
AL
Fauchais
M
M
Michon-Pasturel
C
C
Rugale
N
N
Asseray
H
H
Bulckaen
V
V
Queyrel
F
F
Puisieux
M
M
Hebbar
E
E
Hachulla
P Y
PY
Hatron
B
B
Devulder
D000328:Adult; D017677:Age Distribution; D000367:Age Factors; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D005260:Female; D014890:Granulomatosis with Polyangiitis / Q000150:complications / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000401:mortality; D006801:Humans; D007166:Immunosuppressive Agents / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000627:therapeutic use; D007239:Infections / Q000209:etiology; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D012074:Remission Induction / Q000379:methods; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D016896:Treatment Outcome
D007166:Immunosuppressive Agents