Patients with an autoimmune disorder called antineutrophil cytoplasmic antibody-associated vasculitis produce antibodies that damage blood vessels in the body. In some cases, patients’ antibodies target a protein called myeloperoxidase. New research published in Arthritis & Rheumatology indicates that for patients in remission, reappearance of antibodies against myeloperoxidase is a sign that patients will experience a relapse of their disease.
The findings suggest that patients should undergo routine monitoring of antibodies against myeloperoxidase.
“Our results could be helpful in daily clinical practicerelated to antineutrophil cytoplasmic antibody-associated vasculitis,” said co-author Dr. Ken-Ei Sada, of Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, in Japan.
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