Vasculitis assessment and Takayasu aorto-arteritis

Abstract

Assessment of disease activity using clinical instruments like Birmingham Vasculitis Activity Score and Vasculitis Damage index has been extensively used both in trial and clinic setting. It has revolutionised outcome assessment for small size vasculitis as evidenced from studies carried out by the European vasculitis group. There is a need for clinical assessment tools for large vessel disease like Takayasu arteritis, which is seen more frequently in India. An attempt has been made by the Indian Rheumatology Association Vasculitis core group to validate instruments, like Disease Extent Index for Takayasu Arteritis (DEI.Tak), Indian Takayasu Activity Score (ITAS) and Takayasu Arteritis Damage Scores. Both DEI.Tak and ITAS have received interests from international investigators. Widespread usage of these instruments will pave the way to controlled clinical trials for TA.