Efficacy of remission-induction regimens for ANCA-associated vasculitis.

ABSTRACT:

Background

The 18-month efficacy of a single course of rituximab as compared with conventional immunosuppression with cyclophosphamide followed by azathioprine in patients with severe (organ-threatening) antineutrophil cytoplasmic antibody (ANCA)-associated vasculitis is unknown.

Methods

In a multicenter, randomized, double-blind, double-dummy, noninferiority trial, we compared rituximab (375 mg per square meter of body-surface area administered once a week for 4 weeks) followed by placebo with cyclophosphamide administered for 3 to 6 months followed by azathioprine for 12 to 15 months. The primary outcome measure was complete remission of disease by 6 months, with the remission maintained through 18 months.

Results

A total of 197 patients were enrolled. As reported p

SUBMITTER: Specks U 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC5953195 | biostudies-literature | 2013 Aug

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature