Microscopic Polyangiitis

Overview

Microscopic polyangiitis is a condition that is due to inflammation of the blood vessels which leads to multi-organ damages. However, the commonly affected organs are kidneys, lungs, skins, nerves and joints.

Signs and Symptoms

Fever, Fatigue, Weight loss, Skin rash, Flu-like symptoms , Lungs- cough/ breathing problems/ spitting up blood , Gastrointestinal-bleeding in the gastrointestinal tract and abdominal pain , Brain/neurological-tingling/pain/weakness,/loss of sensation/ seizures , Musculoskeletal-joint pain/ muscle pain, Hypertension

Common Causes

Genetic factor predisposing to autoimmune reaction

Risk Factors

Occupational , Environmental , Genetic , Autoimmune conditions.

Investigation Techniques

Complete blood cell count, Erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR), Renal function test, Urine FEME, Antineutrophil cytoplasmic antibody (ANCA) test, Chest radiograph, Electrocardiography , Gastrointestinal endoscopy, Electromyography, Skin biopsy

Treatment and Prevention

Remission induction using prednisone and cyclophosphamide, Maintenance of remission with Methotrexate and Prednisone, Intravenous immunoglobulin for refractory cases