title: [De-escalation of therapy in ANCA-associated vasculitides].
abstract: Antineutrophil cytoplasmic antibody (ANCA)-associated vasculitides (AAV) require a differentiated therapeutic approach depending on the degree of organ dysfunction and disease activity. In organ dysfunction and life-threatening AAV cyclophosphamide and rituximab are recommended for the induction of remission. For remission induction with a lack of organ dysfunction and non-life-threatening AAV, methotrexate or mycophenolate mofetil are recommended. For remission maintenance therapy azathioprine or methotrexate are used. In the case of contraindications, intolerance or previous failure of azathioprine and methotrexate treatment, rituximab, leflunomide or mycophenolate mofetil may be used as alternatives. Maintenance therapy is usually continued for at least 2 years. De-escalation of therapy requires continuous clinical monitoring while the glucocorticoid medication and immunosuppressive therapy is tapered; however, every de-escalation of therapy carries a risk of relapse.
authors.affiliation: Klinik für Rheumatologie & Vaskulitis Zentrum, Universität zu Lübeck, Ratzeburger Allee 160, 23538, Lübeck, Deutschland.
authors.forename: S
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Schinke
authors.affiliation: Klinik für Rheumatologie & Vaskulitis Zentrum, Universität zu Lübeck, Ratzeburger Allee 160, 23538, Lübeck, Deutschland.
authors.forename: G
authors.initials: G
authors.lastname: Riemekasten
authors.affiliation: Klinik für Rheumatologie & Vaskulitis Zentrum, Universität zu Lübeck, Ratzeburger Allee 160, 23538, Lübeck, Deutschland. peter.lamprecht@uksh.de.
authors.forename: P
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Lamprecht
mesh_terms: D056648:Anti-Neutrophil Cytoplasmic Antibody-Associated Vasculitis / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000188:drug therapy*; D018501:Antirheumatic Agents / Q000008:administration & dosage* / Q000009:adverse effects*; D004305:Dose-Response Relationship, Drug; D004334:Drug Administration Schedule; D016903:Drug Monitoring / Q000379:methods; D019317:Evidence-Based Medicine; D006801:Humans; D007166:Immunosuppressive Agents / Q000008:administration & dosage* / Q000009:adverse effects*; D016896:Treatment Outcome
chemical_list: D018501:Antirheumatic Agents; D007166:Immunosuppressive Agents
keywords: Glucocorticoids; Immunosuppression; Monitoring; Relapse; Remission