Wegener's granulomatosis: symptoms, diagnosis, and treatment.
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.
Olivencia-Simmons
Ivelisse
I
Frances Payne Bolton School of Nursing, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, Ohio 44106, USA. ixo6@case.edu
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
D005938:Glucocorticoids; D007166:Immunosuppressive Agents