Value of ANCA measurements during remission to predict a relapse of ANCA-associated vasculitis--a meta-analysis.

ABSTRACT:

Objective

The value of repeated ANCA measurements among patients with an established diagnosis of ANCA-associated vasculitis (AAV) remains controversial. The aim of this study was to explore whether either of the two distinct patterns of ANCA values during remission, a rise in ANCA or persistently positive ANCA, predicted future relapse.

Methods

MEDLINE and EMBASE searches were performed. Studies with at least 10 subjects with AAV from which both sensitivity and specificity of a rise in ANCA and/or persistent ANCA for future disease relapse could be calculated were included. Likelihood ratios were calculated for each study and pooled to arrive at summary estimates. I(2)-values were calculated as a measure of heterogeneity and meta-regression was used to explore sources of he

SUBMITTER: Tomasson G 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC3276294 | biostudies-literature | 2012 Jan

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature