Viral RNA in the influenza vaccine may have contributed to the development of ANCA-associated vasculitis in a patient following immunisation.

A number of large studies have demonstrated influenza vaccinations to be safe and effective. However, there have been some sporadic case reports, describing a temporal association of influenza vaccination with onset or relapse of anti-neutrophil cytoplasmic antibody (ANCA)-associated vasculitis. The nature of this association, beyond time of occurrence, remains unknown.

Randomized trial investigating the safety and efficacy of influenza vaccination in patients with antineutrophil cytoplasmic antibody-associated vasculitis.

Aim: This study evaluated the safety and efficacy of influenza vaccination in patients with anti-neutrophil cytoplasmic antibody-associated vasculitis.

Methods: Thirty-one patients who were in remission were randomized to receive either a trivalent influenza vaccine or no vaccine. Vaccine efficacy was assessed at 28 days.

Antineutrophil cytoplasmic antibody-associated vasculitis with renal involvement: the evidence for treatment.

Antineutrophil cytoplasmic antibody-associated vasculitis is an autoimmune disease involving small to medium blood vessels. It is an uncommon illness, but can have devastating consequences, particularly on kidney function and other vital organs. Exciting progress has been made in the treatment of the disease largely because of international collaboration in randomised clinical trials.

Effect of pravastatin on markers of endothelial activation in dialysis patients.

Aim: The aim of this pilot study was to test the effect of pravastatin on serum levels of high-sensitivity CRP (hs-CRP), IL-6 and the soluble adhesion molecules sVCAM-1, sICAM-1 and sE-selectin in chronic dialysis patients.

Methods: At the commencement of the study, serum levels of lipids, liver function tests and endothelial markers (CRP, IL-6, sICAM-1, sVCAM-1, sE-selectin) were measured. Patients then commenced 1 month of 10 mg of pravastatin per day, and if tolerated, then 4 months of 40 mg of pravastatin per day.