Management of virus-induced systemic vasculitides

Curr Rheumatol Rep. 2002 Feb;4(1):60-6. doi: 10.1007/s11926-002-0025-x.

Abstract

The best therapeutic strategy in virus-induced vasculitides should take into account the etiology of the disease and be adapted to the pathogenesis. The combination of antiviral treatments and plasma exchanges has been proven effective in polyarteritis nodosa. In HIV-related vasculitis, this strategy is effective and does not jeopardize the outcome of AIDS, as do cytotoxic agents. In vasculitis related to hepatitis C virus-associated cryoglobulinemia, plasma exchanges improve the outcome, but the poor effectiveness of antiviral drugs usually does not favor a definite recovery of the patients. Relapses are frequent.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Antineoplastic Agents / administration & dosage*
  • Antiviral Agents / administration & dosage*
  • Combined Modality Therapy
  • Female
  • Follow-Up Studies
  • HIV Infections / complications
  • HIV Infections / therapy
  • Hepatitis C / complications
  • Hepatitis C / therapy
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Plasma Exchange / methods*
  • Polyarteritis Nodosa / therapy
  • Polyarteritis Nodosa / virology
  • Risk Assessment
  • Severity of Illness Index
  • Treatment Outcome
  • Vasculitis / therapy*
  • Vasculitis / virology*

Substances

  • Antineoplastic Agents
  • Antiviral Agents