Pilot Study of Short-Course Glucocorticoids and Rituximab for Treatment of ANCA-Associated Vasculitis

"Patients will begin prednisone therapy at a dose selected by the investigator or the treating physician with oral prednisone 60mg or 1mg/kg (if weight less than 60kg) or intravenous methylprednisolone, up to 1g/day for three days.~Prednisone will be tapered over 8 weeks as follows:~* 60mg for 2 weeks~* 40mg for 2 weeks~* 30mg for 1 week~* 20mg for 1 week~* 10mg for 1 week~* 5mg for 1 week"

Rituximab will be administered in four weekly doses at 375mg/m2