title: A pilot study using mycophenolate mofetil in relapsing or resistant ANCA small vessel vasculitis.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  The treatment approaches to antineutrophil cytoplasmic autoantibody (ANCA) small vessel vasculitis expose patients to the risks associated with long-term use of corticosteroids and cytotoxic agents. In an effort to explore approaches to minimize risks, we conducted a pilot efficacy and safety study of mycophenolate mofetil (MMF) in the treatment of subjects with nonlife-threatening recurrent or cyclophosphamide-resistant ANCA-vasculitis.
  
  
  METHODS
  MMF was initiated at 500 mg orally twice daily and gradually increased to a target dose of 1000 mg twice daily for a duration of 24 weeks. Concomitant therapy with corticosteroids was allowed. The Birmingham Vasculitis Activity Score (BVAS) was used to assess disease activity and treatment efficacy. ANCA titres, serum creatinine and adverse events were secondary measures of efficacy and/or toxicity.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Twelve subjects were enrolled in the study. Treatment with MMF led to an improvement in disease activity as measured by the BVAS at 24 weeks (P = 0.0013) and 52 weeks (P = 0.0044) as compared to baseline. The BVAS decreased from an average of 9.1+/-3.5 at baseline (range, 3-17) to an average of 2.8+/-1.9 (range, 1-6) at 24 weeks and to 2.8+/-4.3 (range, 0-13) at 52 weeks. Early and sustained reductions in BVAS occurred in subjects initially classified as disease relapses vs those with treatment resistance. Side effect profile was consistent with the mechanism of action and pharmacokinetic disposition of MMF.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  MMF is a reasonable option in the treatment of non-life-threatening recurrent or resistant vasculitis and may obviate the immediate need for recurrent use of cytotoxic agents.
authors.affiliation: Department of Medicine, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, NC, USA.
authors.forename: Melanie S
authors.initials: MS
authors.lastname: Joy
authors.forename: Susan L
authors.initials: SL
authors.lastname: Hogan
authors.forename: J Charles
authors.initials: JC
authors.lastname: Jennette
authors.forename: Ronald J
authors.initials: RJ
authors.lastname: Falk
authors.forename: Patrick H
authors.initials: PH
authors.lastname: Nachman
mesh_terms: D000284:Administration, Oral; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D019268:Antibodies, Antineutrophil Cytoplasmic / Q000276:immunology*; D018450:Disease Progression; D005240:Feasibility Studies; D005260:Female; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D014890:Granulomatosis with Polyangiitis / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000276:immunology; D006801:Humans; D007166:Immunosuppressive Agents / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009173:Mycophenolic Acid / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000031:analogs & derivatives* / Q000627:therapeutic use; D010865:Pilot Projects; D011355:Prodrugs / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D012008:Recurrence; D016896:Treatment Outcome
chemical_list: D019268:Antibodies, Antineutrophil Cytoplasmic; D007166:Immunosuppressive Agents; D011355:Prodrugs; D009173:Mycophenolic Acid