Microscopic Haematuria in ANCA-Associated Vasculitis with Glomerulonephritis During Treatment and Remission

Abstract

Background: ANCA-associated small vessel vasculitides (AAV) are prone to cycles of relapse and remission. Renal involvement manifests as glomerulonephritis with microscopic haematuria, red blood cell casts, proteinuria and variable decrease in renal function. Remission of renal vasculitis is defined as stabilization in serum creatinine (Creat) and resolution of haematuria while controversy exists about persistence of haematuria (during apparent disease-remission) since it may indicate smouldering disease-activity or should be considered as renal flare.