Nasal Microbiome in ANCA Associated Vasculitis and Relapsing Polychondritis (NMB)

The purpose of this study is to examine the community of microbes living in the noses of patients with ANCA-associated vasculitis (AAV) and to compare the composition of their nasal microbiome with those of healthy controls (those who do not have AAV) over time and correlate disease activity.

NO. There are no medications involved with this study.

The objective of this study is to examine the role of the nasal microbiome in AAV and RP.

Patients must first have a diagnosis of the following types of vasculitis:

• Granulomatosis with polyangiitis (GPA // Wegener's)
• Microscopic polyangiitis (MPA)
• Eosinophilic granulomatosis with polyangiitis (EGPA // Churg-Strauss)
• Relapsing polychonritis

The study will last 2 years from the point of enrollment if there is no disease relapse in that time frame. If there is a relapse, another year will be added from the date of the relapse visit.

Participants will be seen at the Penn Vasculitis Center during the time of their regularly scheduled visit (once every 3-4 months, 6 months, or year). No extra visits are required for the study. Study visits are conducted according to their personal appointment schedule unless the participant is confirmed to be flaring, in which sample collection will take place at the time of their flare visit.

A study visit will include some questionnaires and nasal swabs. The total amount of time a visit takes is on average 5-10 minutes.

Thank you for your interest! If you wish to learn more and sign up for the study, please contact:

RUI LIANG
rheumatologyresearch@uphs.upenn.edu
215-614-4417