Vasculitis

Vasculitis is an inflammatory condition where the blood vessels become swollen and inflamed, disrupting blood flow throughout the body. This condition can affect small, medium, or large vessels, and the symptoms vary depending on which blood vessels and organs are involved. Vasculitis can be mild in some cases, while in others, it may lead to severe complications that require careful management.

The inflammation may come and go, or it may persist, making daily activities challenging. Early detection and treatment are crucial for minimizing the risk of severe outcomes such as organ damage or stroke.

Types of Vasculitis

Vasculitis can be classified based on the size of the blood vessels affected:

Normal artery

A normal artery is a blood vessel that carries oxygen and nutrients to the body’s organs and tissues.

Narrowed artery

Narrowed arteries can occur due to a buildup of plaque in the arteries, a condition called atherosclerosis.

Occluded artery

Occluded artery is a blocked or narrowed artery that reduces blood flow. It can occur in the legs, arms, or coronary arteries.

Aneurysm

Aneurysm is a bulge or ballooning in a blood vessel wall that can occur anywhere in the body.

Common Symptoms

Unexplained fatigue or weakness that doesn’t improve with rest.

Skin changes, including red or purple spots, rashes, or ulcers that do not heal.

Sudden vision problems, such as blurred vision or loss of vision.

Joint or muscle pain that is persistent and not linked to any injury.

Numbness or tingling in the hands or feet, making it difficult to grip objects or walk.

Fever and weight loss, which are common in cases of systemic inflammation.

Causes of Vasculitis

Vasculitis can be triggered by various factors:

Autoimmune disorders (e.g., lupus, rheumatoid arthritis) where the immune system mistakenly attacks the blood vessels.
Chronic infections (e.g., Hepatitis B, Hepatitis C), which can cause prolonged inflammation of blood vessels.
Genetic predisposition: Family history of autoimmune diseases or vasculitis may increase risk.
Certain medications or drug reactions can trigger vasculitis as an adverse effect.
Blood cancers (e.g., leukemia, lymphoma) can also be associated with vasculitis.

Limitations of existing modalities to treat vasculitis:

– Immunosuppressive Therapy:

Limitations:Standard treatments, such as cyclophosphamide and glucocorticoids, are associated with significant side effects, including increased susceptibility to infections and organ toxicity. It can also result into cumulative morbidity like cardio-vascular disease and osteoporosis.

– Glucocorticoids (Steroids)

Limitations: Long-term use leads to severe side effects such as osteoporosis, diabetes, hypertension, and increased infection risk.