If that eventuates there will be no concerted push for support either from those of us in the field, from the federal government or other interested groups. Historically, clinically, pathologically, serologically, and therapeutically these diseases share enormous similarities. We see the wisdom and practicality of treating the systemic and small vessel vasculitides as one entity with 8 significant faces.
Some patients have their diagnostic feet firmly planted in two syndromes.
Today we have a situation where the subdivision of medical specialties and differential diagnosis has created a Vasculitic Balkans. Those differentiated syndromes spawned separate foundations and support groups. Many of the virtual vasculitides organizations and individual web sites reflect this fragmentation. The future of research and development may well depend on patient groups coming together to share resources and to present a common face to the medical, and grant-writing community. Those of us publishing Savvy hope to be part of that.