Reduced number of endothelial progenitor cells is predictive of early relapse in anti-neutrophil cytoplasmic antibody-associated vasculitis.

Abstract

Endothelial progenitor cells were measured in 41 patients with ANCA-associated vasculitis by an early outhrowth method according to Hill. Patients with lower numbers of endothelial progenitor cells at baseline had a greater propensity fo early relapse.

Keywords

• Vasculitis
• Anti-neutrophil cytoplasmic antibody
• Relapse
• Outcome
• Endothelial progenitor cell
• Endothelium
• Pauci-immune glomerulonephritis
• Wegener's granulomatosis