Causes & Risk Factors Of Churg-Strauss Syndrome

Antineutrophil Cytoplasmic Antibodies

Antineutrophil cytoplasmic antibodies (ANCA) are autoantibodies present in the blood. They were first identified in 1982 in some patients presenting with symptoms of systemic vasculitis, of which Churg-Strauss is a sub-condition. Many studies have since been conducted to analyze ANCA levels in people with Churg-Strauss. It has been noted ANCA-negative and ANCA-positive patients might present with different symptoms. ANCA-positivity has been shown to indicate inflammation and yield symptoms of this, whereas ANCA is now believed to play a pathogenic role, and clinicians are recommended to monitor its activity when controlling the course of their patients' treatment.