Finally, although Ang-2 levels in AAV probably reflect to some extent the burden of disease (i.e., in a broad range along the continuum of values reported in hypertension, systemic lupus erythematosus, and sepsis, and as reflected in correlation with ESR, CRP, and BVAS/WG values), this effect is not sufficiently strong to distinguish between severe AAV and remission. Here, ESR1 is linked to hypertensive disorder.