Physicians’ perceptions about antineutrophil cytoplasmic antibody-associated vasculitis: an online survey report in the time of the COVID-19 pandemic
Auanassova A. Yessirkepov M. Zimba O. Gasparyan A.Y. Joshi M. Agarwal V. Kitas G.D. Ahmed S.
March 2023Springer Science and Business Media Deutschland GmbH
Clinical Rheumatology
2023#42Issue 3831 - 837 pp.
Antineutrophil cytoplasmic antibody (ANCA)-associated vasculitides (AAV) are characterized by necrotizing inflammation of small and medium-size vessels that often manifest with devastating multi-organ effects. They present with a myriad of systemic features and require potent immunosuppression. Since they are uncommonly encountered in clinical practice, it is necessary to understand physicians’ knowledge and perceptions about this group of diseases. An online questionnaire was designed featuring 28 questions based on relevant global practice guidelines, recommendations, and previous online surveys on AAV. The questionnaire was validated by a core group of specialists with an interest in AAV. It was shared via social networking sites and entries were restricted to physicians. Only completed entries were analyzed with descriptive statistics. A total of 113 respondents from 21 different countries responded of whom the commonest were rheumatologists, internists, and general practitioners. Forty-five (40%) ran clinics dedicated to AAV patients as a part of their practice. They commented on organs involved in AAV; vasculitis secondary to infections, drugs or other rheumatic diseases; various tests useful for AAV diagnosis; and drug choices for induction and maintenance. They mentioned their experience regarding COVID-19 in AAV patients as well as vasculitic manifestations of COVID-19. Various methods to mitigate cardiovascular risks in AAV were mentioned. Finally, the respondents indicated how medical education needed to be strengthened to increase awareness and knowledge regarding AAV. This survey helped to inform about various perceptions regarding AAV across countries, including current practices and recent evolution of management. It also provided information on treatment of the COVID-19 in AAV patients. This survey showed that there is still a lack in understanding the prevalent definitions and there is gap between guidelines and current practice.Key Points• Perception about ANCA-associated vasculitis differ across countries.• The number of cases encountered across 21 different countries are limited implying a need for multi-national cooperation to study this disease further.• The COVID-19 pandemic has changed the approach towards ANCA-associated vasculitis by the various clinicians.
Anti-neutrophilic cytoplasmic antibodies , Cardiovascular risks , COVID-19 , Eosinophilic GPA , Granulomatosis with polyangiitis , Microscopic granulomatosis
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Department of Biology and Biochemistry, South Kazakhstan Medical Academy, Shymkent, Kazakhstan
Department of Internal Medicine #2, Danylo Halytsky Lviv National Medical University, Lviv, Ukraine
Departments of Rheumatology and Research and Development, Dudley Group NHS Foundation Trust (Teaching Trust of the University of Birmingham, UK), Russells Hall Hospital, West Midlands, Dudley, United Kingdom
Byramjee Jeejeebhoy Government Medical College and Sassoon General Hospitals, Pune, India
Department of Clinical Immunology and Rheumatology, Sanjay Gandhi Postgraduate Institute of Medical Sciences, Lucknow, India
Centre for Epidemiology Versus Arthritis, University of Manchester, Manchester, United Kingdom
Department of Clinical Immunology and Rheumatology, Kalinga Institute of Medical Sciences (KIMS), KIIT University, Bhubaneswar, 751024, India
Department of Biology and Biochemistry
Department of Internal Medicine #2
Departments of Rheumatology and Research and Development
Byramjee Jeejeebhoy Government Medical College and Sassoon General Hospitals
Department of Clinical Immunology and Rheumatology
Centre for Epidemiology Versus Arthritis
Department of Clinical Immunology and Rheumatology
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