None listed
Conditions
Brief summary
Wegener’s Granulomatosis (WG) and WG-like diseases affect the small/medium sized blood vessels. In Canterbury the prevalence of WG is one of the highest in the world. Despite this, we are reliant on information from the Northern Hemisphere to guide us on causes, outcomes and treatments. While the causes of WG are unknown the typical involvement of the respiratory tract suggests that inhaled agents may trigger the disease. Although no definite environmental factor has been identified, a number of potential agents have been suggested by previous studies. In a large English case-controlled study farming, solvent exposure and allergy were found to be associated with WG. Another study identified mercury and possibly lead exposure as having a potential in the development of WG. More recently a strong relationship between the incidence of WG and ambient UV radiation. Thus there is growing evidence that environmental factors have a role in the aetiology of WG. We wish to determine whether there are potential environmental factors related to the onset of WG in Canterbury New Zealand and compare our findings to those in England.
Interventions
Wegener's granulomatosis is an inflammatory disorder of the blood vessels. The cause of this condition is unknown. However, involvement of the upper airways and lungs suggests inhaled substances may have a role.
All cases and controls will undergo a detailed standarised interview regarding environmental exposures prior to the onset of the Wegeners (Cases) or at a matched time point for the controls. The interview will be done once only and will take 1 hour
Sponsors
University of Otago, Christchurch
Eligibility
Sex/Gender
All
Age
18 Years to No maximum
Healthy volunteers
No
Inclusion criteria
Cases: Wegeners granulomatosis Controls osteoarthritis or asthma
Exclusion criteria
Nil
Outcome results
None listed