Thietart S, Beinse G, Smets P, et al. - In ANCA-associated vasculitis patients ≥75 years, a lower relapse risk was observed when compared with patients aged 65-75 years.

• Relapse risk of granulomatosis with polyangiitis (GPA) or microscopic polyangiitis (MPA) in patients diagnosed after 75 years (n=219) was studied and compared with those of patients aged 65-75 years (n=80).

• Among participants, 155 were suffering from GPA (52%), 136 had MPA (45%), with 95 (32%) anti-proteinase 3 positivity and 179 (61%) anti-myeloperoxidase.

• Multivariate analysis showed a lower relapse risk in those aged ≥75 years (CSHR 0.54, Cox model; SHR 0.46, p=0.001, Fine-Gray model) after taking into account vasculitis type.

• A lower likelihood of having received maintenance therapy with a combination of glucocorticoids and immunosuppressants was noted in patients aged ≥75 years (vs glucocorticoids alone, HR 0.28), although significantly longer relapse-free survival was conferred by such combination (CSHR 0.40).