Vasculitis & polymyalgia rheumatica
Predictors of glucocorticoid-free clinical remission in patients with newly diagnosed microscopic polyangiitis and granulomatosis with polyangiitis: a retrospective cohort study using a nationwide registry in Japan (J-CANVAS)
Authors' conclusion
The use of RTX for induction therapy and avacopan within 48 weeks is independently associated with achieving GFCR at week 48 in patients with MPA and GPA, supporting their potential as key components of GC-sparing strategies in AAV.
Study context
- Population
- Patients with newly diagnosed microscopic polyangiitis (MPA) or granulomatosis with polyangiitis (GPA) and ≥48 weeks of follow-up, nationwide registry in Japan (J-CANVAS)544 followed ≥ 48 weeks
- Participants
- 728 patients
- Exposure
- Predictors of GC-free clinical remission (GFCR) at week 48
- Outcome
- Glucocorticoids (GC)-free clinical remission (GFCR): Birmingham Vasculitis Activity Score (BVAS) of 0 with complete GC withdrawal
- Follow-up
- Week 48
Methodological detailsmulticentre, nationwide registry, multivariable logistic regression, matched-cohort sensitivity analysis
- Multicentre
- Nationwide registry
- Multivariable logistic regression
- Matched-cohort sensitivity analysis
Main finding
As reported in the abstract
GFCR at week 48
Odds ratio (95% CI)P value
RTX for induction
3.9(1.5–10.0)
P < 0.01Avacopan within 48 weeks
24.3(5.8–101.9)
P < 0.01Methylprednisolone pulse therapy
0.08(0.02–0.44)
P < 0.01- Achieved GFCR at week 48
- 29 (5.3%)
Observational data: associations, not effects.
Further findings
Death, relapse and serious infection, weeks 48 through 96
- Rates similar regardless of GFCR status at week 48
Original publication
Predictors of glucocorticoid-free clinical remission in patients with newly diagnosed microscopic polyangiitis and granulomatosis with polyangiitis: a retrospective cohort study using a nationwide registry in Japan (J-CANVAS). Arthritis Res Ther. Published 10 March 2026. doi:10.
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