Videos

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2:24 March is Autoimmune Disease Awareness Month
3:14 Test your knowledge! How much do you know about autoimmune diseases?
7:51 Multiple sclerosis and other rare demyelinating diseases
8:40 Neuromyelitis optica spectrum of disorders (NMOSD)
13:32 Stiff person syndrome
15:34 IgG4-related disease
16:44 Cogan’s Syndrome
18:17 Vogt-Koyanagi-Harada Syndrome (VKH)
19:18 Can pain be considered as a rare type of autoimmune disease?
20:03 Antibodies associated with autoimmune pain
20:44 Autoimmune pain
22:00 Take home points!
23:53 Why patients with vasculitis should learn about autoimmunity.
24:32 How are so many rare autoimmune diseases ever diagnosed?
27:06 Could research into autoimmune diseases lead us to find common threads among different
diseases that could lead to treatment?

Autoimmune Diseases
February 2025

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0:00
3:24 Understanding medication access.
4:20 Brands, generics, & branded generics.
5:42 What is a specialty medication?
6:13 What is a biologic vs. a biosimilar?
8:14 Biosimilars vs generic drugs.
10:06 Biosimilar updates.
11:15 Insurance payers.
13:31 Important terms you should know.
14:14 Prior authorization.
20:51 Navigating pharmacy options.
24:03 Patient Support Programs.
26:34 Medicare
28:21 Enrollment Period.
29:03 What is new in Medicare Part D in 2025.
31:47 Online tools and resources.
34:35 Can you give tips on navigating the prior authorization process?
38:22 My medication has been denied. What do I do now?
39:53 Can you explain again what is meant by a manufacturer co-pay card?

Navigating the Medical Access Process
February 2024

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0:00
9:10 The skin and vasculitis
13:52 Case 1
17:00 Case 2
22:21 How rare is UT?
27:42 Treatment
31:40 Hemorrhagic edema of infancy. Cockade purpura.
32:30 There are types of vasculitis that have UT-type legions, but not UT (EGPA)
33:58 With any Vasculitis that affects the skin, is it possible that a limited area will be affected? I have been told to return when I am covered with the issue, instead of several small spots.
36:09 Can you be in remission if you have no symptoms but have vasculitis in your system?
37:12 How does this work with Behcet's and Sjorgrens?
39:23 Can maternal exposure to Rubella cause any of this?
40:22 How rare is UT in black people?
41:39 Is there any evidence that COVID-19 has led to an increase in UT
42:44 Can you discuss the difference between urticaria and panniculitis
45:04 Is it possible that pressure from exercise could cause increased sensitivity with UT
46:10 When GI issues are involved with UT what are the symptoms?
48:08 Do you recommend any topicals or ointments to help maintain UT?
49:36 Is there a connection between UT and Lichen planus
52:58 Can chemo and radiation cause UT
54:16 Do the eruptions that occur with UT every crust or harden. If so could they be surgically removed?

Overview of Urticarial Vasculitis
February 2024

View Dr. Foulke's slide presentation here: https://vasculitisfoundation.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/urticarial-vasculitis.pdf

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0:00
4:54 Explanation of Takayasu Arteritis (TAK)
9:09 Diagnosis of TAK
11:47 Classification Criteria of TAK
12:30 Treatment
14:06 Children and TAK
20:45 Pediatric Vasculitis Activity Score 2008
24:26 Challenges in kids
25:36 Prior studies on childhood Takayasu Arteritis
27:32 International Collaboration on Childhood-Onset Takayasu Arteritis
31:56 Childhood Arthritis and Rheumatology Research Alliance (CARRA)
Paediatric Rheumatology European Association (PRES)
34:55: Q: How is the response to treatment monitored in children with TAK?
37:04 Q: What about lab work that’s needed with childhood TAK?
37:59 Q: Has there been an increase in the diagnosis of childhood TAK in recent years?
39:07 Q: Can you talk about some long-term implications of childhood TAK. And, can children with TAK live a normal life?

43:38 Q: Does the treatment change for a patient diagnosed in childhood and as they become adults?
45:10 Q: Do children diagnosed at an early age tend to have more issues from TAK as they get older (as opposed to adults diagnosed with TAK later in life?

Disease Assessment in Pediatric-Onset Takayasu Arteritis
February 20245

Click here to view Dr. Gagne's slide presentation: https://vasculitisfoundation.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/VF-Presentation-Evening-Out-the-Score-in-cTAK.pdf

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Explore this guide for helpful links and tips https://vasculitisfoundation.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/Working-with-Vasculitis-Resource-Guide.pdf

A panel of people who are living and working with vasculitis share tips and resources. The panel discusses helpful tools for determining when and what to disclose as well as tools for you and your employer that can help you find accommodations that allow you to continue to thrive in your career. The panelists also discuss understanding your rights as an employee with a chronic illness, how to request workplace accommodations to continue your career, strategies for managing fatigue and brain fog, and more . . .

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0:00
3:36 Understanding the biology of steroids.
9:34 Historical background of using glucocorticoids to treat human diseases.
23:39 Side effects of glucocorticoids.
26:26 Known effects on the immune system.
27:01 Key knowledge gaps.
28:23 Our research platform.
29:17 Each cell responds very differently to glucocorticoids.
37:21 We need to study glucocorticoids in specific disease states.
40:42 How can this knowledge to the development of safer therapies?
41:22 Can we selectively deliver glucocorticoids to specific cell types?
41:48 Advantages of nanobodies as drug-delivery vehicles.
46:50 Summary
49:05 Q&A: Do most autoimmune diseases require steroid therapy?
50:03 Q&A: How do we know when to have a conversation with our doctor about our steroid dosage?
52:16 Q&A: Can you explain one of your summary points about pinning down the molecular mechanisms responsible for specific effects of glucocorticoids. What does this all mean to the average patient on steroid therapy?
54:23: Q&A: Does using topical steroids affect the dosage of glucocorticoids begin given to the patient?
57:38 Q&A: Below 15mg of prednisone my symptoms begin to return on taper. Is this common?
59:32 Q&A: Why do so many patients have difficulty reducing dosage. Also, the issue of adrenal insufficiency and tapering.
1:03:13 Q&A: When determining dosage does a person’s body weight factor into the dose level?
1:04:24 Q&A: Can you imagine a day when the dose of steroids needed could be cut in half?
1:06:22 Q&A: Are the side effects of steroids permanent?

How do glucocorticoids (‘steroids’) work?
January 2025

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0:00
2:34 Audience poll on neurological issues with vasculitis.
9:01 Systemic vasculitis vs. Nonsystemic vasculitis.
12:00 An illustration of our nervous system.
16:03 Imaging: Chronic Peripheral Nerve Vasculitis.
16:50 Symptoms with neuropathy and vasculitis.
18:29 When to suspect vasculitic neuropathy.
19:58 Why does early diagnosis matter?
20:43 Investigations: Clinical examinations.
22:10 Nerve conduction studies /EMG
23:47 Lab testing.
24:33 Nerve biopsy.
26:21 Treatment strategies.
31:48 Summary.
33:14 Q&A: What is it like to get a nerve conduction study?
36:16 Q&A: Can numbness in limbs be a sign of neuropathy?
38:33 Q&A: I have LVV Giant Cell Arteritis but I have been dealing with burning toes (not big toes just small) and also my ankles ache.
39:43 Q&A: Can prednisone mask mobility issues, and then show up later after being weaned off of prednisone?
41:06 Q&A: Is it unusual for a patient whose MPA, as far as serious kidney damage is concerned, is in check by rituximab but who has confirmed asymmetrical nerve damage and resulting neuropathy of hands and feet to have continued worsening of the neuropathy?
43:08 Q&A: What should be done if exercise or massage of the affected area worsens the symptoms of tingling, burning, etc.?
44:01 Q&A: How to find a neurologist who works with vasculitis and sees me as the whole person rather than only a certain part?
45:22 Q&A: I have ANCA vasculitis and had a drop foot in both of my feet two years ago. Now I only have neuropathy in one foot. I don't take any medicine was on gabapentin two years ago. My question is can it go away or does it get worse as we age?
48:14 Q&A: Why does neurotherapy make your feet and legs cold?
49:21 Q&A: Should a patient be referred to physical therapy when he/she has neuropathy?
49:51 Q&A I struggle with neuropathy in my hands and feet but have recently been diagnosed with the same issue in my rib cage. Is this rare?
50:32 Q&A I've been told that 600 mg of Alpha Lipoic Acid daily helps. Do you agree? Are there any supplements that you recommend?
51:40 Q&A Is Raynaud’s considered neuropathy?
52:00 Q&A How is it possible for a patient with a historical diagnosis of carpal tunnel to know if tingling is vascular neuropathy?
53:18 Q&A Does a foot drop from peripheral neuropathy due to vasculitis require wearing a splint for life?
54:39 Q&A Is an ongoing relationship with a neurologist necessary if you have been diagnosed with neuropathy?

Neurologic Manifestations of Vasculitis
Recorded January 2025

View the slide presentation: https://tinyurl.com/ycy4b333

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0:00
5:44 Survey question: Are you currently taking any anti-IL-5 drugs

6:25 Understanding EGPA

10:08 Cumulative clinical manifestations in 354 patients with EGPA

12:31 Treatment of EGPA

17:34 Survey question: Is asthma and/or sinus/nasal disease a significant part (problem) of your EGPA?

18:46 Treating asthma

22:06 Survey: Are you stuck on prednisone to control your EGPA?

23:48 The role of interleukin 5 (IL-5) in asthma / EGPA

25:05 How anti-IL-5 drugs work chemically in the body

27:03 The MIRRA Trial / Comparing mepolizumab to placebo

31:03 Summary of the MIRRA Trial

32:24 The MANDARA trial of benralizumab vs. mepolizumab for treatment of EGPA

36:07 Summary of the MANDARA trial

37:31 Data from the VCRC EGPA Registry

39:12 Tips for prescribing benralizumab or mepolizumab for EGPA

42:17 Q: Is there a difference between the doses of the anti-IL-5 drugs for asthma and EGPA?

43:34 Q: If Nucala doesn’t work what about switching to Fasenra?

45:31 Q: Jennifer Gordon’s story with EGPA and treatments.

47:05 Q: How do you make the decision to try the drug, or switch to these drugs?

51:05 Q: Will I have to take these drugs for the rest of my life?

55:12 Q: Is Tezepelumab being used to treat EGPA?

56:38 Join the VPPRN to get involved in clinical studies.

Fasenra® and Nucala®: Approved Therapies for EGPA
Recorded December 2024

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Dahlia's journey began after losing her beloved brother to a missed diagnosis of EGPA vasculitis. Today she champions early diagnosis and awareness, determined to prevent other families from experiencing similar losses.

Give a gift of hope: https://vasculitisfoundation.org/ways-to-give/

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0:00
3:24 Key questions: Is vasculitis “genetic”? What genetic testing should be sent?
9:28 Design of genetic studies.
10:26 Giant Cell Arteritis genetic study.
13:16 What do the results from this GCA genetic study tell us?
17:27 What is a genetic risk score?
20:59 Takeaways so far.
22:41 Vasculitis as a single gene disease.
24:52 DADA2
27:31 Takeaways
28:42 Vasculitis due to acquired mutations.
29:35 VEXAS
32:22 As we go through life our DNA acquires mutations.
35:06 Takeaways
37:15 Does vasculitis run in families?
42:08 Takeaways
43:20 What genetic testing should be sent?
45:45 Summary
47:48 Q: Where is most of this genetic research happening?
48:41 Q: My husband and his brother both have GPA. Should they be tested?
50:54 Q: Can DADA 2 be related to Factor V Lieden mutation?
51:54 Q: If you develop an autoimmune disease but do not have vasculitis but have a parent with vasculitis, does that autoimmune disease put you at higher risk of developing vasculitis?

Genetics and Vasculitis
Recorded December 2024

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0:00
1:59 Survey questions about PMR
6:22 Introduction to PMR
8:39 What does the name PMR mean?
10:49 What imaging studies have taught us about PMR.
12:10 Incidence of PMR.
13:17 The challenges of diagnosing PMR.
15:36 Primary care physicians and referral study for PMR.
21:46 Closer look at imaging used in PMR diagnosis.
24:34 GCA and PMR: A meaningful association?
26:07 PMR – Corticosteroids (glucocorticoids) treatment.
29:22 PMR – GC-sparing agents
30:28 PMR: Current treatment landscape.
31:34 Tocilizumab in patients with new-onset of PMR.
32:44 SAPHYR: Sarilumab in relapsing PMR.
33:31 Changing the paradigm of treatment.
34:21 PMR treatments under investigation.
39:35 Q&A What is the role of biopsies in diagnosis of PMR.?
40:40 Q&A If you had PMR 18 years ago, and now you have GCA now, is there a chance you’ll have PMR again?
43:05 Q&A Do you know of cases where PMR has been associated with other types of vasculitis besides GCA?
46:46 Q&A Can you talk about challenges of exercising when you are dealing with the pain from PMR?
51:42 Q&A Do epigenetic factors play a role in PMR and GCA?
52:48 Q&A How do you know if you’re having a PMR flare or if it’s a prednisone withdrawal.
55:54 Q&A Why is the pain from PMR sometimes worse in the morning?
57:11 Q&A When do you think the new drugs in development will be available for PMR?

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0:00
0:37 Introductions
2:38 Charlie Granger introduction.
5:01 Greg Patterson introduction.
9:34 The mental and emotional impact of chronic pain with vasculitis.
13:05 A clinical perspective about the emotional toll of chronic pain.
17:33 The challenges of getting treatment for the pain.
23:59 Discussing opioids with pain specialists.
27:21 Doctors' perspective on these challenges to pain management.
28:41 A good explanation of chronic pain and the nervous system.
32:37 Charlie: Using distraction as a pain management strategy.
33:53 Challenges of pain management for the medical professional.
36:49 Charlie: A spinal cord stimulator implant.
44:51 Greg’s perspective as a physical therapist who also deals with chronic pain.
49:28 Do the different types of vasculitis cause pain in unique ways or impact certain body parts. For example, does pain from PAN manifest differently than in GPA?
50:30 Question from Charlie: Do you think that opioids are an effective treatment option for chronic pain from vasculitis?
52:37 Are there any future treatments to address the vasculitis before it can progress and cause chronic pain?

VF Patient Roundtable: Chronic Pain and Vasculitis
December 2024

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0:00
1:57 What are the latest CDC COVID guidelines and recommendations?
3:02 Tell us about the new vaccine called Novavax. How does it differ from the other COVID-19
vaccines?
8:19 Is the new Novavax vaccine safe and recommended for immunocompromised patients?
8:46 Clarifying about the timing of when to get the COVID booster.
10:00 Is there a new vaccine that combines both the COVID-19 and influenza vaccines? Is it safe for patients with vasculitis?
10:53 What is Pemgarda?
13:50 What are the guidelines to get the COVID-19 vaccine when you’re under treatment for vasculitis?
16:52 What is RSV? Should autoimmune patients get the RSV vaccine?
22:02 Are we going to need a COVID booster every six months?
22:33 Is it recommended that patients with vasculitis get Paxlovid?
24:06 What can you tell us about all of the other vaccines such as the one for shingles?

Vaccines Update for Patients with Vasculitis
November 2024

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0:00
1:13 How can vasculitis and the medication affect our physical and sexual interest?
7:11 After I began taking prednisone my mood swings, and especially my body image (I gained 15lbs) drained me of any interest in intimate or even romantic activity. Is this normal?
12:57 My question is, how do you find a balance with loved ones when you feel like you are a burden?
16:02 I was dating a guy for three years. I was diagnosed with GPA during that time. My boyfriend became resentful because I wasn’t the same person he knew when we began dating.
18:44 For people having vasculitis, GPA for example, is their life expectancy shortened due to the disease always being there?
22:23 My husband and I want to have a baby, but I’m getting more anxious, concerned, and doubtful if we should do it. I have active EGPA. What are the physical risks to both myself and the baby?
25:29 How does vasculitis affect our GI systems? I lost my colon; I have an ileostomy stoma. I have gastroparesis. Intimacy has been a major problem.
30:29 I am a male with testicular pain from my vasculitis. It makes intimacy almost impossible with my wife. Is this common with men who have vasculitis?
35:24 How vasculitis helped me to find the perfect partner.

Asking Sensitive Questions about Vasculitis
October 2024

Additional Resources:
Find additional helpful resources on family planning, pregnancy, and vasculitis https://vasculitisfoundation.org/treatments-research/vasculitis-pregnancy-registry/

Sex-Interrupted: Igniting Intimacy While Living with Illness or Disability by Iris Zink & Jenny Palter

Come As You Are by Emily Nagoski, her Podcasts, and her new book: Come Together

A free PDF guide from the United Ostomy Associations of America
https://www.ostomy.org/wp-content/uploads/2018/03/Intimacy-After-Ostomy-Surgery-Guide.pdf

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0:00
1:40 Could the doctor comment on the possibility of reactions to antibiotics triggering either vasculitis or a flare with someone currently in remission with vasculitis?
3:30 You mentioned the term, genetically predisposed. What specifically does that mean? How does that relate to environmental factors?
7:14 What about C-Diff being a potential trigger for either getting vasculitis or causing a flare in a remission patient?
8:18 Are highly allergic babies more likely to develop later vasculitis or some other type of autoimmune disease?
10:13 If someone is diagnosed with vasculitis does that increase the chances they will develop new allergies to things that did not bother them before?
11:16 Is mold exposure ever considered separately or is it included in pollution or something another category?
11:59 I read that it would be rare for a child whose parent has vasculitis to also get vasculitis him/herself. But it could mean the child may have a greater chance of
developing some autoimmune condition. Is this accurate?
14:27 Could you comment on the study cited in your paper about the possibility of airborne exposure contributing to the etiopathogenesis of Kawasaki Disease? (variance in KD incidence rates in Santiago, Chile)
18:10 Could you give a brief layperson summary about the possibility of AAV by latitude—specifically involving GPA and EGPA?

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0:00
5:47 Lab testing.
7:11 Complete Blood Count (CBC)
9:58 Complete Blood Count in Vasculitis
11:52 CBC and treatment
12:49 Inflammatory markers
15:50 Increased ESR
17:52 Increased ESR: Other influences on this test
21:00 Role of CRP
21:28 C-reactive protein
24:22 Urinalysis testing
28:14 Complete metabolic profile: kidney and liver function testing
31:15 ANCA Associated Vasculitis testing
32:41 c-ANCA and p-ANCA
34:27 ANCA in non-vasculitis syndrome
35:53 IgA (immunoglobulin A) vasculitis
36:58 Cryoglobulinemic vasculitis
39:44 Q: My MCV and MCH can fluctuate at times. Can any of our medications cause this?
40:27 Q: Is the PR-3 test a good indicator of inflammation and vasculitis?
41:19 Q: What if p-ANCA and c-ANCA are negative, but MPO is positive? What could that indicate?
42:17 Q: Should both a routine UA and a Comprehensive Metabolic Panel always be performed or will the latter suffice?
43:34 Q: How often should I have a urinalysis done?
45:20 Q: Why would 2 tests for urine protein/blood, reflexive microscopic show normal results but a 'clean catch' show abnormal results for the same urine sample?
47:07 Q: How are blood tests affected or reflected by Actemra, specifically CRP?
48:05 Q: I am on Rituxan and my ANCA is negative, is that because I am on treatment.
48:43 Q: How do I read B cell count in lab results? My doctor asked for this before next Rituximab infusion.
50:32 Q: Regarding eosinophils is absolute or percentage better for reporting?
51:33 Q: My monocyte percent is always high and my lymphocyte percent is always low. Is that from Rituxan
52:19 Q: Can COVID affect your inflammation rates on these tests?
53:26 Q: Can you explain Anion Gap?
55:34 Q: What is Albumin and does it mean anything to Vasculitis patients?
57:09 Q: The doctor mentioned meds to mitigate urine protein, what are those?

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View the slides from this presentation here: https://vasculitisfoundation.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/Mind-Meets-Microbiome.pdf
Did you know your belly and brain are in constant communication? Yep! They’re practically best friends. In this eye-opening workshop, "Mind Meets Microbiome: The Gut-Brain Axis and Vasculitis," you’ll learn the secrets of how these two powerhouses communicate and work together to impact your health. Get ready for a session filled with insights and practical tips as we explore the connection between your gut and your brain and learn how to harness this knowledge to help you manage your vasculitis more effectively.
• Learn how your gut and brain chat through neurotransmitters and how this affects your mood, mental health, and immune system.
• Explore the latest research on the gut-brain axis and its implications for managing vasculitis.
• Uncover the links between gut health, inflammation, and autoimmune responses, and how to “cool the fire” within.
• Get practical tips on diet, probiotics, and stress-busting techniques to keep your gut and brain in harmony.
Join Noelle, a Board-Certified Health and Wellness Coach, for an enlightening workshop all about the gut-brain connection and leave with practical strategies to boost your health.

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0:00
4:05 Varicella Zoster Virus
5:40 Herpes Zoster/Shingles
6:32 Lifetime risk of Herpes Zoster (HZ)
7:30 Complications after Herpes Zoster (HZ)
8:27 Treatments
9:27 Immunosuppression and HZ
10:30 Recombinant Zoster Vaccine – Shingles
12:37 Current recommendations for vaccination
13:02 Understanding Reactogenicity
14:06 Adverse Effects – Clinical Trials
14:51 Safety in immunocompromised patients
15:55 Results: IMID flares
17:40 Commonly heard from patients: “I don’t need/want RZV because….”
18:27 Common patient concerns
21:26 Q: What is the efficacy after you received the two vaccines?
23:04 Q: I am on Rituxan regiment every 6 months What is the optimal time to receive the vaccine?
24:09 Q: Why did I get sick after each of the two Shindrex shots? it was like the flu with each one.
25:42 Q: How long after you’ve had the shingles should you receive Shingrix?
26:24 Q: Is there a time frame once a shingles outbreak begins in which you should get a starter on acyclovir or the other medicine to maximize effectiveness?
27:10 Q: Can the doctor explain why shingles can just affect one-half of the body? How is this tied into the brain and neurological function?
28:40 Q: Is there a risk to the eye from shingles?
29:44 Q: I had shingles in 2019, a shingles vaccine (2 shots) in 2022 and then I was just diagnosed with shingles in 2024. Is that common?
30:30 Q: I had my 2 shingles vaccines in 2022. Was diagnosed this year with Vasculitis this year. I had 2 infusions of Rituximab and was told they worked (whatever that means) and no more infusions. Currently on Imuran for the Vasculitis. Am I still prone to shingles?
31:26 Q: How does the occurrence break out by gender?
31:47 Q: Is it okay to take the shingles vaccine while getting the COVID or flu vax?
32:59 Q: Can stress by itself cause an outbreak of shingles?
34:26 Q: Is it true that shingles can be transmitted through the air, or by touch?
35:36 Q: Is there any relationship between herpes zoster and herpes simplex?
37:03 Q: Is it true that parents used to hold chickenpox sleepovers to help children get chickenpox?
39:46 Q:.I was the one that had singles, the vaccine and then I got shingles again this year. Should I get another vaccine?
41:24 Q: Are those who tend to get cold sores (and had chicken pox as a child) on the mouth also more prone to get shingles?

Shingles: What you need to know.
Recorded September 2024

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0:00
2:03 Can a bite or rash trigger a flare, as in skin trauma?
3:09 I’m highly allergic to bee stings, and I also have GPA. (remission 1.5 yrs) . If I’m stung could it trigger a relapse of the vasculitis?
3:43 My question—as a patient with GPA am I more vulnerable to infections from a wound?
6:06 Should I keep a wound or injury covered to keep out infection?
6:50 Can small vessel vasculitis evolve into medium or large vessel vasculitis?
10:24 What types of vasculitis should not be treated with TNF Inhibitors?
11:22 What are TNF inhibitors?
13:25 With EGPA, is the Koebner phenomenon something that is recognized? I knew it is more specific to other issues unrelated to vasculitis, but is it possible?
18:18 Does a skin reaction from taking antibiotics look different or have characteristics you recognize? Do you get welts as a side effect or just an itchy rash?
21:49 How do shingles affect the skin?

Q&A Skin Involvement with Vasculitis
September 2024

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0:00
2:20 Is there an eye exam that can identify early signs of restricted blood loss that could lead to optic nerve damage to intervene to prevent vision loss?
8:38 Q: Can GCA spread into the aorta or femoral arteries?
10:48 Q: My daughter was diagnosed yesterday with LVV and possibly GCA. She is 31. Doesn’t that seem too young for that diagnosis?
13:03 Q: You covered many of the current GCA trials underway in our January webinar. Could you give us any updates or noteworthy developments from any of those studies and clinical trials?
13:22 Q: Exciting news about the Select GSA Phase 3 Study (Rinvoq)
17:44 Q: Can you give a patient-level explanation about Polymyalgia rheumatica (PMR)?
20:37 Q: How often can patients with PMR develop GCA?
22:17 Q: Are there any studies or clinical trials underway for PMR?
23:58 Q: Are there risk factors associated with PMR if it progresses without treatment?
26:20 Q: What is a neuro-ophthalmologist? How do they differ from an ophthalmologist in terms of management and/or diagnosis of GCA?
28:16 Q: Could you explain VEXAS Syndrome?

Q&A: Giant Cell Arteritis (GCA) and Polymyalgia rheumatica (PMR)
Recorded August 2024

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0:00
0:46 Introduction of Dr. Guy Katz
4:40 What is autoimmunity?
7:38 Genetics.
9:02 What are environmental triggers?
11:36 How to prove something causes vasculitis.
13:16 Observational studies.
14:32 Challenge with observational studies.
17:08 Trigger of disease onset vs. flares.
19:14 Environmental triggers of vasculitis.
19:57 Infections.
22:46 COVID-19
23:20 Seasonality.
24:45 Airborne exposures.
25:51 Occupational exposures.
27:01 Cigarette smoke.
28:27 Medications and drugs.
30:09 On an individual level.
31:51 Final thoughts.
35:42 Q: Is there more research into COVID possibly triggering vasculitis?
36:42 Q: Can changes in barometric pressure trigger symptoms?
37:40 Q: Can a medication exposure that triggers vasculitis only start to show certain symptoms a month later?
40:55 Q: Can exercise be considered an environmental trigger?
42:02 Q: What about silica as a possible environmental trigger?
44:18 Q: The environmental triggers of vasculitis that you mentioned initially - was that at disease onset or flares?
45:47 Q: Is autoimmune disease inherited since there is a genetic component?
47:21 Q: What about exposure to mold and jet fuel?
49:21 Q: I am confused about when something could cause vasculitis and when something requires the immune system.
50:39 Q: Can you name the top three possible environmental factors associated with ANCA-vasculitis?
52:19 Q: How can you get involved in the studies cited in the presentation?
54:44 Q: What about the Shingrix vaccine?
57:46 Q: Do you expect more researchers to look at this area of potential environmental triggers with vasculitis?
58:35 Q: Has the doctor ever seen a case where family members were both exposed to the same element—diagnosed with vasculitis?

Vasculitis and the Environment: A Closer Look
August 2024

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“How do I show up as a parent when I’m in a flare?” “How do I navigate sending my child to daycare when my immune system is compromised?” “How can I do my best not to miss out on important family events with my children?” In this discussion with Cassy Sims, MD, a rheumatologist at Duke Health; Heather Tam, a patient advocate and mother living with vasculitis; and Kayden Carter, a father living with vasculitis, we explore your most pressing questions about raising a young family when you have vasculitis.

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0:00
2:25 Project background: Steroid reduction.
4:36 Project objectives: Improve safety of treatment of AAV.
5:19 Provide alternative options for GC-sparing regimens.
6:01 Methods and steps.
8:57 Potential benefits of this study.
10:48 Support for this project.
12:11 What is meant by induction therapy? When a doctor first diagnoses a patient how does he/she determine the dosage of steroids needed to be most effective?
16:03 Is one of the goals where newly diagnosed patients could start on a much lower dose of steroids but still achieve control over the inflammation?
19:56 Does the doctor imagine a day when steroids will be eliminated and replaced with another type of therapy (medication) that will be just as effective as steroids, but without the side effects?
25:20 Steroid therapy—how low can we go?
26:07 Is the SAFE-T Study related to the PEXIVAS Trial?
29:23 Are you getting closer to the phase where you will be recruiting patients?
30:58 How did you become interested in nephrology?

The SAFE-T Study: How low can we go with steroid therapy?
August 2024

Addendum: Read a VF article about David Massicotte-Azarniouch
and his current study at: https://tinyurl.com/2sdrxcfb

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“Is it possible for me to get pregnant after a vasculitis diagnosis?” “Will pregnancy cause my disease to flare?” “How will the medications I’m taking impact my baby, from pregnancy through breastfeeding?” In this discussion with Cassy Sims, MD, a rheumatologist at Duke Health who focuses on reproductive rheumatology and preventative health, and Heather Tam, a patient advocate and mother living with vasculitis, we explore your most pressing questions about family planning, pregnancy, and breastfeeding with vasculitis. You’ll learn about the importance of clear and honest communication with your doctor, helping you make the best, most informed decisions around your unique needs, expectations, and risks.

Find additional helpful resources on family planning, pregnancy, and vasculitis https://vasculitisfoundation.org/treatments-research/vasculitis-pregnancy-registry/

Questions on the Vasculitis Pregnancy Registry (VPREG) or on pregnancy and vasculitis? Email vpreg@vpprn.org

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