Anti-Neutrophil Cytoplasmic Antibody Vasculitis in Pediatric Patients: Is the Incidence Rising?

Objectives: Anti-neutrophil cytoplasmic antibody (ANCA)-associated vasculitis is an autoimmune disease usually seen in middle-aged and older adults but which is rare in children and adolescents. We sought to determine if there has been a change in the incidence of this disorder. Methods: Single-center, retrospective review. Results: Over the last 2 years, we have encountered a striking increase in the frequency of this disease in pediatric patients. All eight patients seen during this period had renal involvement and 5 patients rapidly progressed to end stage kidney disease. The prognosis was worse in younger patients, those with microscopic polyangiitis, and those with chronic kidney damage in the diagnostic renal biopsy. Conclusions: We report these observations to highlight this change in the epidemiology of ANCA-associated vasculitis and to promote earlier recognition and treatment of this severe form of glomerulonephritis.