Microscopic Polyangiitis (MPA) is a subtype of vasculitis that affect small blood vessels. Vasculitis refers to blood vessel inflammation. Microscopic Polyangiitis often affect the kidneys, lung and nerves. Vasculitis may cause aneurysm, thinning or blockage of blood vessels, which limits the amount of oxygen or nutrients organs get. Finally it results in organ damage. You may have symptoms including abdominal pain, rash, fever, muscle pain and weight loss. You may cough up blood if the lungs are affected. There are usually two phases of treatment: the first phase aims at stopping inflammation and the second phase aims at preventing relapse. prednisone or methylprednisolone (Medrol) are often used to control inflammation. Steroid-sparing medications such as methotrexate (Trexall), azathioprine (Imuran, Azasan), mycophenolate (Cellcept) or cyclophosphamide can also be used so that corticosteroids can be tapered more quickly.
How is Microscopic polyangiitis treated in practice?