The value of anti-neutrophil cytoplasmic antibodies (ANCA) testing for the diagnosis of ANCA-associated vasculitis, a systematic review and meta-analysis

The testing of anti-neutrophil cytoplasmic antibodies (ANCA) takes an important place in the diagnostic workup to ANCA-associated vasculitis (AAV). Nowadays, it is recommended screen for presence PR3 and MPO specific first using immunoassay, without need ANCA measurement by indirect immunofluorescence (IIF). A literature search was performed assess test value IIF PR3- MPO-antibody immunoassay diagnose AAV. This meta-analysis shows that c-ANCA has a pooled sensitivity 75.2% specificity 98.4%. For PR3-antibody depended on method used, ranged from 79.8% 86.6%, whereas 96.8% 98.3%. both p-ANCA (all methods) varied considerably showing values respectively 46.3% 58.1%, respective 91.4% 95.6%. These findings support 2017 international consensus primary anti-PR3 anti-MPO screening based superior testing, improves