Polyangiitis

Polyangiitis is a rare but serious blood vessel condition that can damage major organs, like your kidneys, lungs, and other organs. When standard treatments aren’t working, or you need chemotherapy alternatives, Bioinfusion Center offers rituximab infusion therapy to target the immune inflammation driving your condition. Cindy Crosby, MSN, FNP, CCRN, CRNI, and the medical team provide this specialized biologic treatment in a comfortable setting. Call the Farmington Hills, Michigan, office today to learn about rituximab therapy for polyangiitis or book a consultation online.

What is polyangiitis?

Polyangiitis is an autoimmune condition where your immune system attacks your blood vessels. There are two main types, each affecting different areas and causing distinct symptoms.

Granulomatosis with polyangiitis

Previously called Wegener’s granulomatosis, this form typically hits your upper respiratory tract first. You might notice chronic sinus problems, nosebleeds, or hearing issues before it spreads to your lungs and kidneys. The inflammation creates clumps of immune cells that form lumps in affected tissues called granulomas.

Microscopic polyangiitis

This type primarily targets your kidneys and lungs but rarely affects your upper respiratory tract. It tends to cause more widespread, microscopic inflammation in small blood vessels rather than forming granulomas.

Why does polyangiitis develop?

Your immune system starts producing antibodies that mistakenly attack proteins in your white blood cells. This creates a destructive cycle where inflammatory cells release substances that damage tissues and call in more immune cells to join the attack.

Several factors may put you at higher risk, including:

• Genetics
• Environmental triggers like infections or chemical exposures
• Being between 50-60 years old 
• Living in certain geographic regions 

Most people never know why they develop polyangiitis.

When should I consider infusion therapy for polyangiitis?

You should schedule a consultation if standard immunosuppressive medications aren’t controlling your symptoms or if you experience serious side effects from oral treatments. 

You might be a good candidate if you have severe organ damage, especially to your kidneys or lungs, or if you haven’t achieved remission with traditional medications.

How does rituximab infusion therapy work for polyangiitis?

Rituximab specifically targets and destroys B cells — the white blood cells that produce the harmful antibodies driving your polyangiitis inflammation. The medication attaches to specific proteins on B cell surfaces, marking them for destruction.

You typically receive rituximab as weekly infusions for four weeks during initial treatment. Each session can take a few hours. Once your condition goes into remission, you may need maintenance infusions every six months to prevent flare-ups.

The team closely monitors your blood counts, kidney function, and disease activity throughout treatment. Most patients start seeing symptom improvement within a few months as B cell levels drop and harmful antibody production decreases.

Call Bioinfusion Center today to discuss whether rituximab infusion therapy could help control your polyangiitis or schedule an evaluation online.