Outcome of polyarteritis nodosa and churg‐strauss syndrome

OBJECTIVE: To compare outcome in patients with polyarteritis nodosa (PAN) and patients with Churg-Strauss syndrome (CSS) followed up at a single center. METHODS: A retrospective data review of 13 patients with PAN and 12 patients with CSS who were followed up at a vasculitis clinic. Outcome measures included a global damage index, disability and pain dimensions of the Health Assessment Questionnaire, and mortality rate. RESULTS: Compared with patients with CSS, patients with PAN had a significantly higher mean damage index score (5.15 versus 2.42; P = 0.011), a higher disability score (1.09 versus 0.16; P = 0.007), and a higher pain score (1.04 versus 0.01; P = 0.017). Patients with PAN had more relapses (relative risk = 5.07; P < 0.000) and a higher mortality rate (31%) compared with patients with CSS (8%). CONCLUSION: PAN and CSS differ in their morbidity and mortality; therefore, they should be considered as distinct clinical entities.