Abstract
Chronic infection with the hepatitis C virus (HCV) is among the most common aetiologic factors influencing vasculitis in humans. Long-term infection is associated with small-vessel vasculitis (HCV-associated cryoglobulinemic vasculitis [CV]) in less than 5% of cases, and it is associated more rarely with medium-size vasculitis (polyarteritis nodosa-like). In recent years, significant advances have been made in our understanding of the pathogenesis of HCV-associated CV and its long-term prognosis. Furthermore, new immunosuppressive agents such as rituximab (a B cell-depleting agent) have been shown to be efficacious with limited toxicity, providing a promising alternative to current immunosuppressives for the treatment of HCV-associated CV. This chapter presents the pathogenesis, clinical features and recent therapeutic options for HCV-associated CV and medium-size vasculitis.
Original language | English |
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Title of host publication | Infection and Autoimmunity |
Publisher | Elsevier Inc. |
Pages | 217-242 |
Number of pages | 26 |
ISBN (Print) | 9780444632692 |
DOIs | |
State | Published - 1 Jan 2015 |
Keywords
- Cryoglobulins
- Hepatitis C virus
- Rituximab
- Vasculitis