skip to main content

AAV Relapse Risk Factors — ESENeph MCQ

Instant feedback + full explanation. One question, done properly.

ModerateRenal VasculitisAAV Relapse Risk FactorsESENeph

A 50-year-old woman with ANCA-associated vasculitis (MPO-ANCA) has been in remission for 3 years on Azathioprine 150 mg daily. She wants to stop maintenance therapy. What factors increase relapse risk and should make the clinician cautious about stopping?

Educational content. Not a substitute for clinical judgement or local policy.

Reveal the answer and explanation

Correct answer: B — PR3-ANCA seropositivity and prior relapse history

KDIGO 2024 AAV guideline identifies several factors that increase relapse risk: PR3-ANCA (vs MPO-ANCA), prior relapse, persistent ANCA positivity, and upper airway involvement (GPA phenotype). Although this patient has MPO-ANCA (lower relapse risk than PR3), individual assessment is still needed. The optimal maintenance duration is 18 months to 4 years. When considering withdrawal, patients must be informed about relapse signs and the need for prompt attention.

Reference: KDIGO 2024 – ANCA-Associated Vasculitis Guideline