Cookies on this website

We use cookies to ensure that we give you the best experience on our website. If you click 'Accept all cookies' we'll assume that you are happy to receive all cookies and you won't see this message again. If you click 'Reject all non-essential cookies' only necessary cookies providing core functionality such as security, network management, and accessibility will be enabled. Click 'Find out more' for information on how to change your cookie settings.

Classification criteria have an important role and practical use in everyday rheumatology. Improvement in therapy and our understanding of the aetiopathogenesis of vasculitis have driven the need to have better descriptors and groupings of diseases. This in turn will allow newer therapy and further understanding to have a greater impact. The American College of Rheumatology (ACR) classification criteria have been an important advance but have limitations. There remains confusion between classification and diagnostic criteria and definitions. We hope to resolve this using evidence-based improvements in classification and diagnostic criteria. Further understanding of the underlying causative mechanisms could lead to diagnostic testing, eliminating the need for classification criteria.

Original publication

DOI

10.1016/j.berh.2012.12.002

Type

Journal article

Journal

Best pract res clin rheumatol

Publication Date

02/2013

Volume

27

Pages

3 - 17

Keywords

Humans, Rheumatology, Vasculitis