What Is Eosinophilic Granulomatosis with Polyangiitis?
Eosinophilic granulomatosis with polyangiitis (Churg Strauss syndrome) is a condition characterized by asthma, high levels of eosinophils (a type of white blood cell that helps fight infection), and inflammation of small to medium sized blood vessels (vasculitis). The inflamed vessels can affect various organ systems including the lungs, gastrointestinal tract, skin, heart and nervous system. The exact cause of eosinophilic granulomatosis with polyangiitis is unknown, but it is thought to be an autoimmune disorder.
Treatment may involve the use of glucocorticoids (steroids) and/or other immunosuppressive therapies. As of December 2017, mepolizumab (Nucala) became the first therapy approved specifically to treat eosinophilic granulomatosis with polyangiitis. When added to traditional steroid or immunosuppressive therapy, mepolizumab has been found to increase remission rate and time in remission for 50% of people with eosinophilic granulomatosis with polyangiitis.
Treatment may involve the use of glucocorticoids (steroids) and/or other immunosuppressive therapies. As of December 2017, mepolizumab (Nucala) became the first therapy approved specifically to treat eosinophilic granulomatosis with polyangiitis. When added to traditional steroid or immunosuppressive therapy, mepolizumab has been found to increase remission rate and time in remission for 50% of people with eosinophilic granulomatosis with polyangiitis.
Source: Genetic and Rare Diseases (GARD) Information Center