What is the outlook for people with granulomatosis with polyangiitis (GPA)?
After achieving remission, it is possible for GPA to recur (often referred to as a “relapse”). Relapses may be similar to what the patient experienced at the time of their diagnosis, or the symptoms may be different. The likelihood of experiencing a severe relapse can be minimized by prompt reporting to the doctor of any new symptoms, regular doctor follow-up, and ongoing monitoring with laboratory tests and imaging. The treatment approach for relapses is similar to that of newly diagnosed disease.
GPA is a very serious disease, and its treatment carries significant risks. However, treatment can be life-saving when the diagnosis is made in a timely fashion and appropriate treatment initiated.
Prior to recognizing effective therapy in the 1970s, half of all patients with this illness died within 5 months of diagnosis. Today, more than 80% of treated patients are alive at least eight years later. For many people with GPA, long term survival has been seen with many able to lead relatively normal lives. If past is prelude to the future, ongoing research will lead to further discoveries and even better treatment.