Longitudinal Protocol for Eosinophilic Granulomatosis With Polyangiitis
University of Pennsylvania
Summary
Eosinophilic granulomatosis with polyangiitis (EGPA) is a rare immune system disorder that causes asthma, an excessive number of eosinophils (a type of white blood cell) in the blood, and the inflammation of blood vessels, or vasculitis. In order to properly treat EGPA, it is critical that the level of disease activity can be determined over the course of the disease. The purpose of this study is to determine new biological markers, or biomarkers, that may be used to assess the severity of this disease in people with EGPA.
Description
EGPA, also known as allergic granulomatosis angiitis, is a systemic vasculitis. EGPA is marked by three distinct symptoms: asthma; eosinophilia, evidenced by an excessive number of eosinophils in the blood and tissues; and vasculitis involving the skin, lungs, nerves, kidneys, and other organs. Nerve involvement may also occur in EGPA, causing pain, tingling, numbness, and muscle wasting in the hands and feet. Because EGPA patients may not show any visible signs of active disease, current methods of monitoring disease progression usually represent a period of extended inflammation and disease…