Vasculitis Panel
Understanding Vasculitis Panel
What is Vasculitis Panel?
The Vasculitis Panel is tailored to assess various forms of vasculitis, an inflammation of the blood vessels. This profile includes tests for specific autoantibodies and markers, such as PR3, MPO, and GBM, which are essential for diagnosing, differentiating and managing types of vasculitis.
Vasculitis encompasses a range of disorders characterized by inflammation of blood vessels, which can cause significant damage to various organs and tissues throughout the body. The inflammation caused by vasculitis can result in symptoms ranging from mild, such as fever and fatigue, to severe, including organ dysfunction and life-threatening complications. Given the diverse nature and potential severity of vasculitis, accurate diagnosis and effective management are critical for improving patient outcomes.
The Vasculitis Panel is crucial for diagnosing, managing, and monitoring vasculitis through a series of specialized blood tests that identify specific autoantibodies and biomarkers linked to various types of vasculitis. This profile includes tests for PR3 ( Proteinase 3 ), MPO (myeloperoxidase anti-neutrophil cytoplasmic antibodies), and GBM (glomerular basement membrane antibodies). PR3 and MPO are key in diagnosing ANCA-associated vasculitides (AAV), such as granulomatosis with polyangiitis (formerly Wegener's granulomatosis) and microscopic polyangiitis, with elevated levels indicating these conditions, guiding treatment decisions and monitoring disease progression. On the other hand, GBM antibodies are associated with Goodpasture syndrome, which affects the kidneys and lungs. Detecting GBM antibodies helps confirm this diagnosis and helps formulate treatment strategies. Effective management may involve immunosuppressive therapies and regular monitoring to assess treatment response and disease progression.
No special preparation is required for this panel. However, it is crucial to inform your doctor about any medications or supplements you are taking, as they might affect test results.
Lab test results may vary across different laboratories. Abnormal test results require an expert interpretation, therefore, never try to self-medicate at home based solely on these results, and always consult a doctor for proper understanding of the test results.
What is Vasculitis Panel used for?
The Vasculitis Panel is done:
- To diagnose vasculitis early, potentially preventing serious complications.
- To identify specific types of vasculitis by detecting associated autoantibodies like PR3, MPO, and GBM.
- To differentiate between types of vasculitis and other similar conditions.
- To assess the severity and activity of the disease, helping in the formulation of an effective treatment plan.
- To monitor the response to treatment and track disease progression over time.
What does Vasculitis Panel measure?
Contains 3 testsThe Vasculitis Panel measures specific biomarkers to help diagnose and manage vasculitis. It includes tests for Proteinase 3 (PR3), where elevated levels are associated with granulomatosis with polyangiitis (Wegener's granulomatosis) and other ANCA-associated vasculitides; Myeloperoxidase Anti-Neutrophil Cytoplasmic Antibodies (MPO) test, with elevated levels indicating conditions such as microscopic polyangiitis and other ANCA-associated vasculitides; and Glomerular Basement Membrane Antibodies (GBM), whose presence suggests Goodpasture syndrome, a condition affecting both the kidneys and lungs. By evaluating these specific biomarkers, the vasculitis panel provides crucial insights into the presence, type, and activity of vasculitis, enabling the development of targeted and personalized treatment strategies to manage the disease effectively.