Re: Vasculitis - was SMOKING

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<< vasculitis >>

http://fohweb.macarthur.uws.edu.au/podiatry/vasculit.htm

Definition

Vasculitis is an inflammation of the blood vessels. Vasculitis is also

defined as a pathological process centred primarily on blood walls (mainly

small and medium-sized vessels) resulting in purpura, nodules and ulceration.

(8)

....

Treatment/Management

In some cases, most notably a hypersensitivity reaction can be managed by

identifying and eliminating the offending antigen or agent. However, some

hypersensitivity vasculitis may also require corticosteroid treatment even

after the offending antigen is eliminated. If no offending agent can be

identified, other management approaches are necessary. (3, 7, 11)

Vasculitis may be also associated with a primary illness, including rheumatic

and connective tissue diseases, cancer, infectious diseases, and inflammatory

bowel disease. In these cases the vasculitis often improves when the primary

disease is treated. (3, 11)

Many cases of vasculitis do not require treatment. For example, a few spots

on the skin now and then (if not combined with other symptoms) may not

require any cortisone-type medications. But a patient may need bed rest and

some supportive measures to relieve pruritus and pain. (6, 7)

The patients with only cutaneous vasculitis can be treated with dapsone. On

the other hand, the instances in which vasculitis with any other diseases may

be treated with short courses of prednisone, prednisolone, or

methylprednisolone. In severe cases, some sort of cytotoxic drugs, such as

cyclophosphamide or azathioprine are used. They are usually used in

combination with prednisone and are often effective in treating vasculitis.

(3, 5, 6, 11)

More:

http://www.aafp.org/afp/991001ap/1421.html

Kat