Repeat protocol renal biopsy in ANCA-associated renal vasculitis.

Background: Histopathological lesions in renal biopsy (RB) at presentation of ANCA-associated vasculitis (AAV) have been described in depth but repeat protocolized renal biopsies are seldomly performed in AAV. In this study, we present a group of AAV patients with repeat protocolized biopsies, and we evaluate their clinical significance.

Methods: A total of 17 consecutive patients diagnosed between 1991 and 1995 with AAV and renal involvement confirmed by biopsy at presentation in a single center underwent a protocol planned rebiopsy in remission after a median of 13 months (range 11-28) from diagnosis.

Secondary membranous nephropathy--one center experience.

Introduction: Secondary membranous nephropathy (MN) is most commonly seen in the setting of autoimmune disease, infection, and neoplasia, and with certain therapeutic agents. The aim of our study was to analyze the presenting features and outcome of the patients with secondary MN.

Patients And Methods: We retrospectively studied patients with secondary MN diagnosed between the years 1991-2002.

Long-term outcome of patients with antineutrophil cytoplasmic autoantibody-associated vasculitis with renal involvement.

Background: Despite treatment, renal involvement in antineutrophil cytoplasmic autoantibody (ANCA)-positive vasculitis is still associated with significant long-term mortality and remains an important cause of end-stage renal failure.

Methods: We retrospectively analyzed a series of 61 consecutive patients with newly diagnosed ANCA-associated renal vasculitis (54.1% Wegener's granulomatosis, 23% renal-limited vasculitis, 16.

Soluble cytokine receptors in renal vasculitis and lupus nephritis.

Background: The activation of various cytokines, e.g. TNFalpha, IL-1 and/or IL-6, may play an important role in the pathogenesis of renal vasculitis and lupus nephritis (LN).