ANCA booklet -- may answer many of our questions!

[KathyB]

Hi all -- As I have been continuing to research info on WG, I found this ANCA booklet (in .pdf file) from UNC. It's in a language I can understand and will use when discussing WG with my doctors. Here's the link!

http://www.unckidneycenter.org/vascbrochure_NoWGA.pdf

KB

[delorisdoe]

Most excellent!!!

[annekat]

A useful guide written in easy to understand language. But I question something I read there: it said that corticosteroids are similar to a hormone produced by the kidneys. I thought that hormone was produced by the adrenal glands. And I never heard of the kidneys producing any hormones (?).

Anne

[Al]

A useful guide written in easy to understand language. But I question something I read there: it said that corticosteroids are similar to a hormone produced by the kidneys. I thought that hormone was produced by the adrenal glands. And I never heard of the kidneys producing any hormones (?).

Anne

I think that is typo, Anne. But the kidneys do produce three hormones: Vitamin D, bradykinin, and erythropoietin (EPO). Vitamin D is important for a lot of cellular functions, including calciu, regulation. EPO tells the blood marrow to make red blood cells. Stressed kidneys present a bottlenck to these hormones, leading to anemia, for one thing. Failure of te kinin system has all sorts of implication for regulating body chemistry and blood pressure.

Al

[annekat]

I think that is typo, Anne. But the kidneys do produce three hormones: Vitamin D, bradykinin, and erythropoietin (EPO). Vitamin D is important for a lot of cellular functions, including calciu, regulation. EPO tells the blood marrow to make red blood cells. Stressed kidneys present a bottlenck to these hormones, leading to anemia, for one thing. Failure of te kinin system has all sorts of implication for regulating body chemistry and blood pressure.

Al

Well, if it's a typo, it's a pretty big one.... seems like it should have been caught with a good proofreading. Interesting to know, though, that the kidneys do produce some hormones.

Anne

[KathyB]

I found another great explanation of the ANCA tests themselves and have learned more. Also increased number of questions I'll have with my specialists! ANCA Test | Vasculitis Foundation

KB

[Al]

I found another great explanation of the ANCA tests themselves and have learned more. Also increased number of questions I'll have with my specialists! ANCA Test | Vasculitis Foundation

KB

These are both good, accessible accounys, Kathy. Thanks for sharing the links! And it always helps to know this stuff when visiting the doctor!

Al

[maria garcia]

Thanks for sharing. I always learn something new.

[annekat]

I found another great explanation of the ANCA tests themselves and have learned more. Also increased number of questions I'll have with my specialists! ANCA Test | Vasculitis Foundation

KB

Yes, thanks for sharing both helpful links. We need all the help we can get in understanding this thing we have.

Anne

[delorisdoe]

I did not even notice the kidney hormone reference but even still I find this to be one of the most straight forward explanations i have ever read.