Vasculitis and its relation with RA and drug induced vasculitis...

[Palmyra]

Hi Gang! This is a web blog meant for our smart docs, but it addresses a couple of questions I had. My daughter was first diagnosed with Crohn's disease, and was treated with a class of drugs called TNF alpha inhitors (Remicade and Humira, respectively). After several years of these treatments she developed Wegener's as well.

The doctor being interviewed does say they don't know why some individual's immune systems respond this way, but at least he does suggest that blocking B cell activity is a possible way to go regarding treatment after a confirmation of vasculitis.

What is the relationship between vasculitis and rheumatoid arthritis (RA)?-Prof. David GI Scot | Excellence in Rheumatology

[Sangye]

That was great, Palmyra. Thank you so much for posting it.

Dr Seo told me they haven't had much success using TNF alpha inhibitors to treat Wegs. If they can cause vasculitis, it's no wonder!