Analysis of therapeutic strategies for the treatment of systemic vasculitis

Analysis of therapeutic strategies for the treatment of systemic vasculitis

Oral presentation

Jorj Shopov1, Tzvetomir Delyiski1, Emil Hristov1, Iva Parvova2
1Faculty of Chemistry and Pharmacy, Sofia University “Saint Kliment Ohridski”, Bulgaria
2Clinic of Rheumatology, Department of Rheumatology, Medical University - Sofia

Systemic vasculitides are rare and heterogeneous disorders that affect organs and organ systems, with varying degrees of severity. The etiology and pathogenesis of primary systemic vasculitides are still unknown. There is a multitude of immunological mechanisms that play a role in the pathogenesis, including: deposition of immune complexes onto vessel walls, autoantibodies (e.g. anti-endothelial and anti-neutrophilic cytoplasmic antibodies), cell-mediated and humoral immune responses, granuloma formation and endothelial cell damage. Treatment is trough glucocorticosteroids and immunosuppressants. The mortality rate for some vasculitides can exceed 90% for a 5-year period. As of November 2018, the biological medicinal product Rituximab is available as an alternative in the treatment of vasculitides associated with antineutrophil cytoplasmic antibodies. Aim: In comparative terms to analyse the available therapeutic strategies and mechanisms of action of the different therapies. To evaluate their structural and functional characteristics, with an emphasis on the biological medicinal product Rituximab. Materials and methods: Using published registration data and clinical trials and through graphical models, we will present the mechanism of action of Rituximab in systemic vasculitides treatment. Results and conclusion: The overall survival rate in vasculitides, associated with antineutrophil cytoplasmic antibodies after the inclusion of Rituximab in therapeutic regimens is expected to exceed 87% for a 5-year period. Knowledge of the pathogenetic mechanisms of vasculitides and the mechanisms of action of medicinal products by medical professionals is essential to the success of the therapy.
Keywords: Systemic vasculitides, Immunosuppressors, Glucocorticosteroids, Biological medicinal products