Table 3

Novel agents for the treatment of Pulmonary–renal syndrome [102-113]

Biological agent

Mechanism of action

Indication-study population

Comments

Etanercept

TNFα inhibitor

Maintenance therapy in Wegener's granulomatosis

Not effective, high rate of treatment-related complications

Infliximab

TNFα inhibitor

ANCA-associated vasculitis

Effective, severe infection rate, severe relapse rate

Rituximab

Anti-CD20 antibody for B lymphocytes

ANCA-associated vasculitis, refractory to or contraindication to treatment

Effective, preliminary data

Mycofenolate mofetil

Suppressor of B lymphocytes and T lymphocytes

ANCA-associated vasculitis, remission maintenance

Well tolerated, high relapse rate

Leflunomide

Suppressor of T cells

Wegener's granulomatosis, remission maintenance

Well tolerated, high relapse rate

Antithymocyte globulin

Suppressor of T cells

Severe refractory Wegener's granulomatosis

Partial or complete remission, high complication rate

ANCA, antineutrophil cytoplasmic antibodies.

Papiris et al. Critical Care 2007 11:213   doi:10.1186/cc5778