Therapeutics of Wegener's granulomatosis.
The treatment of Wegener's granulomatosis, one of the most common forms of systemic vasculitis, has changed substantially over the past two decades. The principal aims of therapy are to control the disease swiftly, to limit the extent and severity of permanent organ damage, and to minimize the short-term and long-term morbidities that often result from therapy. This review provides an overview of the treatment regimens that are currently available for inducing and maintaining remission in patients with Wegener's granulomatosis, and also discusses newer agents that might have a role in the management of this disease in the future. Severe toxicity associated with the available agents and, therefore, there is keen interest in the development of alternative treatment strategies for this disease.
Wung
Peter K
PK
Johns Hopkins Bayview Medical Center, Department of Medicine, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21224, USA.
Stone
John H
JH
D005938:Glucocorticoids / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D014890:Granulomatosis with Polyangiitis / Q000097:blood / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000401:mortality; D006801:Humans; D007166:Immunosuppressive Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D012074:Remission Induction / Q000379:methods; D015996:Survival Rate; D016896:Treatment Outcome; D000079424:Tumor Necrosis Factor Inhibitors
D005938:Glucocorticoids; D007166:Immunosuppressive Agents; D000079424:Tumor Necrosis Factor Inhibitors