The condition and the treatments
Vasculitis is the general name for a group of diseases of the immune system that cause inflammation of blood vessels. Anti-neutrophil cytoplasmic antibody-associated vasculitis involves small blood vessels including the capillaries, and usually affects the kidneys, lungs, ears, eyes, nose and sinuses.
Severely active granulomatosis with polyangiitis (also known as Wegener's granulomatosis) and microscopic polyangiitis are types of anti-neutrophil cytoplasmic antibody-associated vasculitis.
Rituximab (MabThera) is a manufactured antibody that destroys B cells, which are the part of the immune system thought to be involved in this type of vasculitis. It is taken with drugs known as glucocorticoids.
NHS Choices (www.nhs.uk) may be a good place to find out more.