Very interesting day at the Vasculitis Masterclass for Large Vessel Vasculitis yesterday in Warrington.

[Suzym2u]

There were around 50 people present, most were doctors who have an interest in Vasculitis. Prof Justin Mason and Dr Janice Harper were two of the five speakers. All the doctors speaking were very enthusiastic about sharing their knowledge and experiences. I am sure there will be a write up in the next newsletter and I also believe there will be new information available on the website regarding TAK. . Vasculitis UK were invited to have a stand at this event and 20 hard copies of the Route Map for Vasculitis were taken by some of the attendee doctors, also leaflets and a few newsletters. One thing I did learn, which was new to me, was that there are 382 recorded cases of TAK in the UK, but this number is believed to be higher. It will be so beneficial to all Doctors who specialise in Vasculitis to become involved with the new Vasculitis register, so more accurate numbers of people with Vasculitis can be recorded. For those who do not know VUK are funding this register for the next 3years. vasculitis.org.uk/research/...

[BronteM]

That sounds like a really interesting day...and it is great to hear that more doctors are learning about TAK. Are there any more ideas about the difference between GCA and TAK? I heard that there was an idea that they are basically much the same and the above/below 50 distinction is going? They do seem to be allowing a few of us who are over 50 to be TAK not GCA!

[Suzym2u Moderator Vasculitis UK in reply to BronteM]

Interesting.. Dr Sarah Mackie from Leeds is very enthusiastically raising support for a large scale study into GCA and large vessel vasculitis and she is discussing this with Vasculitis UK . Prof Mason did also talk about WG and TAK crossovers...

[ipswichlady]

I was surprised to read that there are as many as 382 cases of TAK in the UK - I imagined it would be less! Dr.Mackie proposing to do a large scale study into large vessel vasculitis is very encouraging. Should she get the support she needs I would be more than willing to help with filling in survey etc., or whatever is needed. Looking forward to next newsletter!

[optimist-ok]

Its very good that more notice is being taken about the various vasculitis problems. The more info the better & especially better informed medical practitioners. Another improvement would be better liaising between the authorities involved.

[John_Mills Volunteer in reply to optimist-ok]

we are working on it optimist-ok

[hamble99b Volunteer in reply to John_Mills]

that's what Dr Janice Harper told me she is aiming to do.

[hamble99b Volunteer]

I would have liked to have gone, I thought I'd put my name down ages go, please put me down for the next one. who where the other speakers?