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Rheumatoid Vasculitis: Vanishing Menace or Target for New Treatments?

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Abstract

Rheumatoid vasculitis is a rare but serious complication of rheumatoid arthritis. Herein we examine the pathophysiology, epidemiology, clinical diagnosis, and treatment of rheumatoid vasculitis. Seropositivity, specific HLA variations, and tobacco use are among the genetic and environmental predictors of rheumatoid vasculitis. Fortunately, recent reports have noted declines in the prevalence of rheumatoid vasculitis. Nevertheless, proper recognition of systemic manifestations may assist in pathologically confirming the diagnosis, determining the extent of disease, and guiding treatment. Contemporary treatment reports are discussed in the context of the ongoing debate regarding whether new agents may trigger, treat, or even prevent rheumatoid vasculitis. Evolving genetic, histopathologic, and immunologic studies partnered with ongoing clinical experience with biologics offer promise to inform future prevention and treatment of rheumatoid vasculitis.

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Acknowledgment

Dr. Bartels receives support from grant no. 1KL2RR025012-01, awarded through the University of Wisconsin Institute of Clinical Research KL2 Scholar Program, under 1UL1RR025011, the Clinical and Translational Science Award program of the National Center for Research Resources, National Institutes of Health.

Disclosure

Dr. Bridges has served on advisory boards for UCB and Genentech and has received honoraria from, received payment for development of educational presentations (including service on speakers’ bureaus) from, and had travel/accommodation expenses covered by Abbott Laboratories, Genentech, and Bristol-Myers Squibb. No other potential conflicts of interest relevant to this article were reported.

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  1. University of Wisconsin-Madison School of Medicine and Public Health; William S. Middleton Memorial Veterans Hospital-Madison, 2500 Overlook Terrace, Madison, WI, 53705, USA

    Christie M. Bartels & Alan J. Bridges

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  1. Christie M. Bartels
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  2. Alan J. Bridges
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Correspondence to Alan J. Bridges.

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Bartels, C.M., Bridges, A.J. Rheumatoid Vasculitis: Vanishing Menace or Target for New Treatments?. Curr Rheumatol Rep 12, 414–419 (2010). https://doi.org/10.1007/s11926-010-0130-1

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