title: Wegener's granulomatosis: symptoms, diagnosis, and treatment.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  To provide nurse practitioners with a basic understanding of the clinical presentation, diagnosis, diagnostic testing, pharmacological treatment, and prevalence of Wegener's granulomatosis (WG).
  
  
  METHODS
  Published research and clinical articles, and a case report.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  WG is a systemic disease characterized by vasculitis, necrosis, and granulomas. The diagnosis of WG is difficult, particularly early in the disease process. In order to confirm the diagnosis, the patient should undergo specific tests such as antineutrophil cytoplasm antibodies, erythrocyte sedimentation rate, C-reactive protein, and biopsy of the tissue involved.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  The diagnosis of WG is often delayed because of the vague symptoms on presentation. Initial symptoms, such as chronic fatigue, upper respiratory infection, sinusitis, and otitis media are common and may not be alarming. Recognizing symptoms, ordering diagnostic tests, and providing appropriate pharmacological therapy is key to diagnosing and treating WG.
authors.affiliation: Frances Payne Bolton School of Nursing, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, Ohio 44106, USA. ixo6@case.edu
authors.forename: Ivelisse
authors.initials: I
authors.lastname: Olivencia-Simmons
mesh_terms: D000368:Aged; D004359:Drug Therapy, Combination; D005938:Glucocorticoids / Q000008:administration & dosage; D014890:Granulomatosis with Polyangiitis / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000503:physiopathology / Q000628:therapy; D006801:Humans; D007166:Immunosuppressive Agents / Q000008:administration & dosage; D008297:Male; D012074:Remission Induction
chemical_list: D005938:Glucocorticoids; D007166:Immunosuppressive Agents