Vasculitis Treatment in Indore

Vasculitis - Detailed Description

Vasculitis is a group of rare disorders characterised by inflammation of blood vessels (arteries, veins, or capillaries). This inflammation can thicken, weaken, narrow, or scar the blood vessels, which disrupts blood flow to tissues and organs. Vasculitis can affect any organ system and may be life-threatening if vital organs are involved.

Vasculitis is classified based on vessel size:

Large Vessel Vasculitis – e.g. Giant Cell Arteritis, Takayasu Arteritis

Vasculitis of Medium-Sized Vessels -e.g., Polyarteritis Nodosa, Kawasaki Disease

Small Vessel Vasculitis – e.g., Granulomatosis with Polyangiitis, Microscopic Polyangiitis

It can occur alone (primary vasculitis) or as part of another autoimmune or infectious disease (secondary vasculitis).

Causes & Risk Factors

1. Autoimmune Dysfunction

The immune system attacks blood vessel walls and causes inflammation.

2. Genetic Factors

Family history increases the susceptibility to autoimmune diseases.

3. Environmental Triggers

Infections, medications, or vaccines may trigger an immune response in predisposed individuals.

4. Other Risk Factors

Age and gender vary with type:

Giant Cell Arteritis: >50 years, females are more commonly affected

Takayasu Arteritis: <40 years, more common in women

Small vessel vasculitis: all ages may be affected

How Vasculitis Affects the Body

Inflamed vessels reduce blood flow → tissue damage, and organ dysfunction.

Thickening or narrowing of vessels → ischemia in organs.

Weak vessels → aneurysm formation or rupture.

Multi-organ involvement may include skin, joints, kidneys, lungs, heart, and nervous system.

Symptoms

General Symptoms

Fatigue

Fever

Weight loss

Muscle and joint ache

Skin Symptoms

Rash (purpura, nodules, ulcers)

red or purple spots on the skin

Livedo reticularis (net-like skin discolouration)

Organ-Specific Symptoms

Kidneys: blood in the urine; impaired kidney function

Lungs: cough, shortness of breath, bleeding

Nervous System: Numbness, weakness, neuropathy

Heart: Chest pain, heart attack

Gastrointestinal: Abdominal pain, bleeding

Complications

Organ failure: kidneys, heart, lungs

Stroke or heart attack

Aneurysm or vessel rupture

Peripheral neuropathy

Chronic pain and fatigue

Diagnosis

Clinical Assessment

Multi-system history of symptoms, rashes and organ involvement

Laboratory Tests

Increased ESR and CRP (inflammatory markers)

Complete blood count, kidney and liver function tests

Autoantibodies (e.g., ANCA, ANA)

Imaging

CT, MRI, or PET scan to locate vessels that are inflamed

Angiography for medium or large vessel involvement

Biopsy

A biopsy of the skin, kidney, or organ affected confirms vasculitis

Conventional Medical Treatment

1. Corticosteroids

Quickly reduce inflammation

Often first-line treatment of most types of vasculitides

2. Immunosuppressive Drugs

Cyclophosphamide, Azathioprine, Methotrexate

Suppress abnormal immune response

3. Biologic Therapy

Rituximab or TNF inhibitors for resistant cases

4. Organ-Specific Management

Renal support, dialysis if renal failure occurs

Blood pressure management

Surgical repair of aneurysms or vessels

Lifestyle & Supportive Care

1. Diet & Nutrition

Anti-inflammatory diet: fruits, vegetables, omega-3 fatty acids

Avoid processed foods and excess sugar

2. Exercise

Gentle, low-impact exercises for maintaining mobility

Avoid overexertion in flare-ups.

3. Stress Management

Whenever meditation, yoga, and relaxation techniques

Helps reduce the frequency of flare-ups.

4. Preventive Care

Vaccination against influenza and pneumonia to avoid infection

Regular checkup of organs by functioning

5. Complementary & Integrative Approaches

Homoeopathy, Ayurveda, and herbal remedies may support symptom relief, immunity, and quality of life

It should be used alongside orthodox treatment at all times.

Prognosis

Vasculitis prognosis depends on type, severity, and organ involvement. Early diagnosis and treatment significantly improve outcomes. Some forms (e.g., giant cell arteritis) respond well to treatment. Severe, untreated vasculitis can cause permanent organ damage or be life-threatening. Lifelong monitoring may be required to prevent flare-ups and manage complications.