ABOUT US
ANCA-Associated Vasculitis
Granulomatosis with Polyangiitis (GPA)
GPA is a type of autoimmune disease where the body’s immune system mistakenly attacks small blood vessels, mainly in the sinuses, lungs, and kidneys. This causes inflammation that can damage tissues and organs. Early diagnosis and treatment help prevent serious complications like kidney failure or lung damage.
Microscopic Polyangiitis (MPA)
MPA also causes inflammation of small blood vessels throughout the body, especially in the kidneys and lungs. It can lead to kidney inflammation (glomerulonephritis) and shortness of breath or coughing up blood. With proper treatment, many patients can achieve remission.
Renal-Limited Vasculitis
This form of vasculitis affects only the kidneys, without involving other organs. It causes inflammation of the kidney’s tiny filters, leading to blood or protein in the urine and rising creatinine. It is often ANCA-positive and treated similarly to other ANCA vasculitides.
Eosinophilic Granulomatosis with Polyangiitis (EGPA)
EGPA involves inflammation of blood vessels along with high numbers of a type of white blood cell called eosinophils. It often starts with asthma, sinus problems, and allergies before affecting other organs like the lungs, nerves, or kidneys. It is an autoimmune condition that requires careful, long-term management.
ANCA-Negative Vasculitis
This type looks and behaves like ANCA vasculitis under the microscope but blood tests for ANCA antibodies are negative. The inflammation still damages small blood vessels, most often in the kidneys. Treatment is similar to ANCA-positive disease and depends on the organs involved.
IgA Vasculitis and IgA Nephropathy
IgA Vasculitis
IgA vasculitis (formerly Henoch-Schönlein purpura) causes inflammation in small blood vessels due to deposits of IgA antibodies. It often leads to a rash on the legs, joint pain, stomach discomfort, and sometimes kidney involvement. It can occur in both children and adults.
IgA Nephropathy
IgA nephropathy happens when IgA antibodies build up in the kidneys, causing inflammation that can lead to blood in the urine or kidney damage over time. It often progresses slowly and may not cause symptoms early on. Monitoring and treatment aim to protect kidney function.
Anti-Glomerular Basement Membrane (Anti-GBM) Disease / Goodpasture’s Disease
This rare autoimmune disease occurs when antibodies attack the kidneys and sometimes the lungs. It can cause rapidly worsening kidney function and bleeding in the lungs. Prompt treatment is critical to remove the harmful antibodies and prevent organ failure.
Membranoproliferative Glomerulonephritis (MPGN) and C3 Glomerulopathy
These are rare kidney diseases where the immune system causes thickening and damage to the filtering units of the kidneys. MPGN often involves immune complexes, while C3 glomerulopathy is due to abnormal complement activation. Both can lead to protein or blood in the urine and, over time, kidney scarring.
Minimal Change Disease (MCD)
MCD causes the kidneys to leak large amounts of protein, leading to swelling—especially in the legs and around the eyes. Under the microscope, the kidney appears mostly normal, hence the name. It usually responds well to steroid treatment.
Cryoglobulinemic Vasculitis
In this condition, abnormal proteins in the blood (called cryoglobulins) clump together in cold temperatures and damage small blood vessels. It can cause skin rashes, joint pain, nerve problems, and kidney inflammation. It’s often linked to infections or autoimmune diseases.
Thrombotic Microangiopathies (TMA), including Atypical Hemolytic Uremic Syndrome (aHUS)
TMA describes a group of conditions where tiny blood clots form inside small blood vessels, damaging the kidneys and other organs. aHUS is a specific form caused by abnormal activation of the complement system. It can cause anemia, low platelets, and sudden kidney failure.
Focal Segmental Glomerulosclerosis (FSGS)
FSGS means some areas (“focal”) of the kidney’s filters (“glomeruli”) become scarred (“sclerosis”). It leads to protein in the urine and, over time, can cause kidney function to decline. Causes vary from genetics to immune injury or other medical conditions.
Lupus Nephritis
Lupus nephritis is kidney inflammation caused by systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), an autoimmune disease where the immune system attacks healthy tissues. It can cause swelling, foamy urine, and rising blood pressure. Treatment focuses on calming the immune system and protecting kidney function.
Membranous Nephropathy
This disease occurs when antibodies attack a layer of the kidney filter, causing it to leak protein into the urine. It’s one of the most common causes of nephrotic syndrome in adults. Some cases resolve on their own, while others need medication to suppress the immune system.
Monoclonal Gammopathy of Renal Significance (MGRS)
MGRS occurs when abnormal proteins made by bone marrow cells deposit in the kidneys and cause damage. The person may not have cancer, but the protein itself harms kidney tissue. Treatment targets the abnormal cell clone to stop kidney injury.
Fibrillary Glomerulonephritis
This rare kidney disease involves abnormal protein fibers building up inside the kidney filters. It can cause blood and protein in the urine and progressive loss of kidney function. Diagnosis requires a kidney biopsy, and treatment often includes medications to reduce immune activity.