NIAMS Vasculitis Researchers Present at Regional Conference

NIAMS’s Dr. Peter Grayson (l) and nurse Elaine Novakovich

Dr. Peter Grayson, head of the NIAMS Vasculitis Translational Research Program, and Elaine Novakovich, NIAMS research nurse specialist, recently spoke at the Vasculitis Foundation’s 2017 Patient and Family Regional Symposium in Bethesda. The purpose of this 1-day conference was to educate patients and their family members about vasculitis.  

Grayson described medical advances in the two major forms of vasculitis: ANCA-associated vasculitis (AAV) and large vessel vasculitis (LVV). He discussed how “big data” can be used to develop personalized medicine approaches in AAV and how cutting-edge imaging technologies can be used to assess vascular inflammation in LVV. 

Novakovich addressed key findings in the team’s research regarding the burden of disease that patients with vasculitis commonly experience. “Connecting with patients at the conference and letting them know that we hear their concerns are invaluable ways to nurture their involvement as we continue to strive to understand this disease through research,” she said.

Both Grayson and Novakovich fielded questions from attendees regarding current vasculitis studies at NIH. For more information on the Vasculitis Translational Research Program, visit the NIAMS web site.