Andreas Kronbichler, Austria

Medical University Innsbruck Internal Medicine IV (Nephrology and Hypertension)
Andreas Kronbichler, MD PhD is a Doctor of Medicine and Renal Medicine at the Medical University of Innsbruck who specializes in autoimmunity and kidney diseases. Dr. Kronbichler grew up in Tyrol, which is the central area of the alps. He graduated from the Medical University of Innsbruck in 2010. As part of his PhD in cardiovascular medicine, he was a Honorary Research Fellow at Addenbrooke’s Hospital (Cambridge University Hospitals) under the supervision of Prof. David Jayne. In 2017, Dr. Kronbichler completed his PhD with a focus on anti-neutrophil cytoplasmatic antibody (ANCA)-associated vasculitis. Dr. Kronbichler’s research focus spans from “onconephrology” to chronic kidney disease, but the main focus is on ANCA-associated vasculitides. A particular interest is the understanding of long-term prognosis and the impact of premature mortality (cardiovascular disease), infectious complications and low disease activity leading to subclinical inflammation. Diseases within the complex of nephrotic syndrome are another main research topic. Recent publications include a variety of publications focusing on COVID-19 and vaccine readiness of patients with immune-mediated kidney diseases, thromboembolic events in ANCA-associated vasculitis and two major reviews highlighting treatment options in minimal change disease, focal segmental glomerulosclerosis and membranous nephropathy. He has published over 150 articles in peer-reviewed journals. He serves as a reviewer for major medical, rheumatological and nephrological journals.

Presenter of 2 Presentations

 Conference Calendar

RITUXIMAB IN ADULT MINIMAL CHANGE DISEASE AND FOCAL SEGMENTAL GLOMERULOSCLEROSIS - WHAT IS KNOWN AND WHAT IS STILL UNKNOWN?

Session Name
PS10 - JAK INHIBITORS AND AUTOIMMUNITY
Session Type
PARALLEL SESSIONS
Date
29.05.2021, Saturday
Session Time
13:30 - 15:30
Room
HALL D
Lecture Time
14:50 - 15:00
Presenter
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Pre Recorded

Abstract

Background and Aims

Primary forms of minimal change disease and focal segmental glomerulosclerosis are rare podocytopathies and clinically characterized by nephrotic syndrome.

Methods

Glucocorticoids are the cornerstone of the initial immunosuppressive treatment in these two entities. Especially among adults with minimal change disease or focal segmental glomerulosclerosis, relapses, steroid dependence or resistance are common and necessitate re-initiation of steroids and other immunosuppressants.

Results

Effective steroid-sparing therapies and introduction of less toxic immunosuppressive agents are urgently needed to reduce undesirable side effects, in particular for patients whose disease course is complex. Rituximab, a B cell depleting monoclonal antibody, is increasingly used off-label in these circumstances. While a growing body of evidence supports the use of rituximab in membranous nephropathy, data are less clear for adult patients with minimal change disease and focal segmental glomerulosclerosis.

Conclusions

Hence, critical questions concerning drug-safety, long-term efficacy and the optimal regimen for rituximab-treatment remain unanswered. Evidence in the form of large, multicenter studies and randomized controlled trials are urgently needed to overcome these limitations.

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CLINICAL ASSOCIATIONS OF RENAL INVOLVEMENT IN ANCA-ASSOCIATED VASCULITIS

Session Name
PS40 - NOVELTIES IN VASCULITIDES
Session Type
PARALLEL SESSIONS
Date
31.05.2021, Monday
Session Time
10:00 - 12:00
Room
HALL A
Lecture Time
10:50 - 11:00
Presenter
Session Icon
Pre Recorded

Abstract

Background and Aims

Renal involvement in anti-neutrophil cytoplasm antibody (ANCA)-associated vasculitis is associated with significant morbidity and higher mortality rates. This study examined clinical manifestations associated with renal involvement in ANCA-associated vasculitis within a large, international cross-sectional cohort.

Methods

Univariate and multivariate analyses were performed to identify clinical factors associated with renal disease, which was defined as i) a serum-creatinine > 30% above normal and a fall in creatinine-clearance > 25%; or ii) haematuria attributable to active vasculitis.

Results

The study cohort include 1230 patients from 31 countries; 723 (58.8%) presented with renal involvement: microscopic polyangiitis (82.2%), granulomatosis with polyangiitis (58.6%), and eosinophilic granulomatosis with polyangiitis (26.4%). The following clinical and laboratory factors were more common among patients with renal disease: age (p=0.001), fever (p<0.001), fatigue (p=0.005), weight loss (p=0.001), polyarthritis (p=0.036), petechiae/purpura (p=0.022), pulmonary haemorrhage (p=0.014), gastrointestinal symptoms (p=0.002), seizures (p=0.016), lower serum albumin (p<0.001), higher CRP (p=0.038), low serum C3 at baseline (p=0.015), myeloperoxidase- (p<0.001) and proteinase 3-ANCA (p=0.020). The following clinical factors were less common among patients with renal disease: mononeuritis multiplex (p=0.041), proptosis/exophthalmos (p=0.001), nasal polyps, septal defect/perforation (p<0.001 each), respiratory distress/pulmonary fibrosis/asthma (p<0.001), and wheeze/obstructive airway disease (p<0.001).

Conclusions

In this large international study, several clinical and laboratory factors were identified as associated with renal involvement in ANCA-associated vasculitis.

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