title: [Serum amyloid protein A was a useful marker for steroid tapering in a case of MPO-ANCA-associated vasculitis].
abstract: A 55-year-old man was admitted complaining of hemosputa, fever and dyspnea. The chest radiographs and computed tomography showed a diffuse alveolar filling pattern; suggesting alveolar hemorrhage. Laboratory data demonstrated renal dysfunction with hematuria and proteinuria and serum MPO-ANCA was also elevated. Respiratory failure progressed rapidly within two days. Steroid pulse therapy and plasmapheresis was performed. Thereafter, symptoms and chest radiograph findings improved dramatically. However proteinuria persisted as steroid administration was tapered. Renal biopsy demonstrated gromeluronephritis and interstitial lymphocyte infiltration. After administering a second course of steroid semi-pulse therapy, her proteinuria improved. C-reactive protein and MPO-ANCA decreased to normal levels after the initial steroid therapy, but serum amyloid A protein (SAA) gradually elevated. The second course of steroid pulse therapy normalized SAA, and proteinuria improved. Based on these findings, SAA seems to be a more sensitive marker for steroid tapering than either CRP or MPO-ANCA.
authors.affiliation: Showa University, Northern Yokohama Hospital.
authors.forename: Yusuke
authors.initials: Y
authors.lastname: Shikama
authors.forename: Kazuyuki
authors.initials: K
authors.lastname: Kuriu
authors.forename: Yasuhiro
authors.initials: Y
authors.lastname: Shibuya
authors.forename: Masanori
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Matsuda
authors.forename: Suzuko
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Omayu
authors.forename: Yoshito
authors.initials: Y
authors.lastname: Kamio
authors.forename: Akihiko
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Kitami
authors.forename: Keita
authors.initials: K
authors.lastname: Kasahara
authors.forename: Mitsutaka
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Kadokura
authors.forename: Eriko
authors.initials: E
authors.lastname: Kinugasa
authors.forename: Hiroaki
authors.initials: H
authors.lastname: Nakajima
mesh_terms: D000893:Anti-Inflammatory Agents / Q000008:administration & dosage; D019268:Antibodies, Antineutrophil Cytoplasmic / Q000032:analysis*; D015415:Biomarkers / Q000032:analysis; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009195:Peroxidase / Q000276:immunology*; D011239:Prednisolone / Q000008:administration & dosage*; D000685:Serum Amyloid A Protein / Q000032:analysis*; D014657:Vasculitis / Q000097:blood / Q000188:drug therapy*
chemical_list: D000893:Anti-Inflammatory Agents; D019268:Antibodies, Antineutrophil Cytoplasmic; D015415:Biomarkers; D000685:Serum Amyloid A Protein; D011239:Prednisolone; D009195:Peroxidase