von Willebrand factor and factor XIII in children with Henoch-Schonlein purpura

Von Willebrand factor: a possible biomarker for disease activity in vasculitis

OBJECTIVE

Inflammation markers, e.g. C- reactive protein (CRP) and sedimentation rate, can be normal despite active vasculitis. Von Willebrand factor (vWF) is secreted from endothelial cells in response to vascular damage. Some reports suggest increased vWF levels in vasculitis. This study aimed to evaluate vWF serum concentration in vasculitis patients as a possible biomarker of disease activity and to review the current literature.

METHOD

Adult patients with systemic vasculitis were prospectively enrolled. Disease activity was recorded using the Birmingham Vasculitis Activity Score (BVAS) version 3. Blood group-adjusted vWF antigen serum level was evaluated at diagnosis and, when available, after treatment.

RESULTS

Twenty-five vasculitis patients were compared to 15 healthy controls. The mean age of patients was 56 ± 17 years and 56% were women. Forty percent had anti-neutrophil cytoplasmic autoantibody-associated vasculitis, 20% giant cell arteritis, 16% polyarteritis nodosa, 8% Takayasu arteritis, and the rest had other vasculitides. The mean disease duration was 3.4 ± 4.8 years. Mean vWF was higher in patients with active vasculitis than in healthy controls (212 ± 81% vs 106 ± 26%, p < 0.001). vWF levels directly correlated with BVAS. In 13 patients with active vasculitis who reached remission or low disease activity after treatment, vWF level at follow-up decreased significantly. In three out of five patients who were treated with interleukin-6 inhibitors, vWF was elevated despite normal CRP levels, while vasculitis was clinically active.

CONCLUSION

vWF antigen serum level is increased in active vasculitis and could potentially serve as a biomarker for active disease.

Venous sinus thrombosis in a case of immunoglobulin A vasculitis and a systemic review of literature

OBJECTIVES

To describe venous sinus thrombosis involved in immunoglobulin A (IgA) vasculitis and identify the clinical features and imaging findings of this rare disease.

METHODS

We describe a case with venous sinus thrombosis related to IgA vasculitis, and a systematic review of previously reported cases in the literature.

RESULTS

A 10-year-old boy presented with recurrent petechiae of the lower extremities with abdominal pain, and was diagnosed as having IgA vasculitis. He had a sudden headache during the treatment of steroids, and venous sinus thrombosis was diagnosed according to magnetic resonance imaging. Venous sinus thrombosis is a rare complication of IgA vasculitis. Based on the systematic review, most of these reported cases who developed venous sinus thrombosis had multi-system involvement, which included skin, joints, gastrointestinal tract or kidneys. Sudden headache was the most common symptom of central venous sinus thrombosis. Some cases may also manifest as seizures and blindness. The sagittal sinus was the most common site of thrombosis. Magnetic resonance image, magnetic resonance venography, or computed tomography angiography were helpful for early diagnosis of this disease. Combination therapy of steroids and anticoagulation medication was effective in rapidly reliving clinical symptoms.

CONCLUSIONS

Sudden headache in patients with IgA vasculitis requires vigilance for the possibility of central venous sinus thrombosis. Anti-inflammatories combined with anticoagulant therapy were needed for these patients.

Interleukin -17 and oxidative stress in children with immunoglobulin A vasculitis

Objective: We aimed to investigate levels of interleukin-17 (IL-17) and oxidative stress in the active phase of immunoglobulin A vasculitis (IgAV) and determine whether a relationship exists among IL-17, oxidative stress, and system involvement.Method: Patients diagnosed with IgAV, who were not given non-steroidal anti-inflammatory or steroidal drugs within a month, were enrolled. Blood samples were taken in the active and remission phases of the disease. Malondialdehyde (lipid peroxidation marker), 8-hydroxydeoxyguanosine (DNA oxidation marker), total oxidant status (TOS) and total antioxidant status (TAS) levels for oxidative stress, and IL-17 levels were measured.Results: Forty-four patients aged 1.91-15.41 years were enrolled. IL-17 and TAS levels were significantly higher in the active phase of the disease than in the remission phase. 8-Hydroxydeoxyguanosine levels were higher in patients with gastrointestinal involvement than in patients without involvement in the active phase of the disease. A moderate positive correlation was observed between IL-17 and TAS in both active and remission phases.Conclusion: Our results showed increased DNA oxidation in patients with gastrointestinal involvement in the active phase of IgAV, for the first time. Higher IL-17 and TAS levels in the active phase of the disease and positive correlations of TAS and IL-17 in both active and remission phases suggest that IL-17 and oxidative stress may be related.

Von Willebrand Factor, Factor VIII, and Other Acute Phase Reactants as Biomarkers of Inflammation and Endothelial Dysfunction in Chronic Graft-Versus-Host Disease

Chronic graft-versus-host disease (cGvHD) is an immune mediated late complication of allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (alloHSCT). Discovery of adequate biomarkers could identify high-risk patients and provide an effective pre-emptive intervention or early modification of therapeutic strategy, thus reducing prevalence and severity of the disease among long-term survivors of alloHSCT. Inflammation, endothelial injury, and endothelial dysfunction are involved in cGvHD development. Altered levels of acute phase reactants have shown a strong correlation with the activity of several immune mediated disorders and are routinely used in clinical practice. Since elevated von Willebrand factor (VWF) and factor VIII (FVIII) levels have been described as acute phase reactants that may indicate endothelial dysfunction and inflammation in different settings, including chronic autoimmune diseases, they could serve as potential candidate biomarkers of cGvHD. In this review we focused on reported data regarding VWF and FVIII as well as other markers of inflammation and endothelial dysfunction, evaluating their potential role in cGvHD.

Fecal calprotectin as a marker of gastrointestinal involvement in pediatric Henoch-Schönlein purpura patients: a retrospective analysis

Background

Henoch–Schönlein purpura is a type of systemic vasculitis found in children. Its prognosis is usually good; however, recurrence is relatively common. If the intestines are affected, severe complications could arise. Here, we investigated the value of fecal calprotectin in the early screening of Henoch–Schönlein purpura and as a useful factor for predicting gastrointestinal manifestations.

Methods

We retrospectively reviewed the medical records of pediatric patients who were diagnosed with Henoch–Schönlein purpura and underwent fecal calprotectin testing during the acute phase. The patients were categorized into gastrointestinal involvement and non-gastrointestinal involvement groups based on their clinical symptoms. Moreover, gastrointestinal involvement was categorized as follows: upper gastrointestinal tract involvement (up to the duodenum) and lower gastrointestinal tract involvement (from the terminal ileum).

Results

A total of 69 patients were diagnosed with Henoch–Schönlein purpura and underwent fecal calprotectin testing. Among them, 40 patients (58.0%) showed signs of gastrointestinal involvement. The gastrointestinal involvement group had higher fecal calprotectin levels (379.9 ± 399.8 vs. 77.4 ± 97.6 mg/kg, P = 0.000). There were no significant differences in the recurrence of Henoch–Schönlein purpura symptoms or gastrointestinal symptoms. The cut-off value to identify gastrointestinal involvement was 69.10 mg/kg (P < 0.01). Patients with fecal calprotectin levels of > 50 mg/kg showed more frequent gastrointestinal involvement (77.8% vs. 20.8%, P = 0.000) and more severe gastrointestinal symptoms. Significant differences in abdominal pain duration, Henoch–Schönlein purpura clinical score, and abdominal pain severity were observed (P = 0.002, P = 0.000, and P = 0.000, respectively). Additionally, fecal calprotectin levels were significantly higher in patients with lower gastrointestinal tract involvement (214.67 ± 150.5 vs. 581.8 ± 510.1 mg/kg, P = 0.008), and the cut-off value was 277.5 mg/kg (P < 0.01).

Conclusion

Fecal calprotectin testing is useful for identifying gastrointestinal involvement in pediatric Henoch–Schönlein purpura patients.

Serum levels of selected cytokines [interleukin (IL)-17A, IL-18, IL-23] and chemokines (RANTES, IP10) in the acute phase of immunoglobulin A vasculitis in children

The pathogenesis of the immunoglobulin A vasculitis (IgAV) is still unknown. The available data shows that interleukin (IL)-17, IL-18, IL-23, regulated on activation, normal T cell expressed and secreted (CCL 5, RANTES), and interferon (IFN)-γ-inducible protein 10 (IP10) participate in the pathogenesis of IgAV by influencing the recruitment of leukocytes to the site of inflammation. The aim of this study was to analyze the serum concentration of IL-17A, IL-18, IL-23, RANTES, and IP10 in patients with acute IgAV compared to healthy children. Moreover, we wanted to assess the suitability of the levels of tested cytokines to predict the severity of the disease. All children with IgAV hospitalized in our institution between 2012 and 2017 were included in the study. Cytokines levels were determined in a serum sample secured at admission to the hospital. Basic laboratory tests have also been analyzed. IL-17A, IL-18, and IL-23 were significantly higher in whole IgAV group (52.25 pg/ml; 164.1 pg/ml and 700 pg/ml, respectively) than in the control group (27.92 pg/ml; 140.1 pg/ml and 581.5 pg/ml, respectively). The receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analysis revealed the largest area under the curve (AUC 0.979, p < 0.001) for the IL-17A with 95.1% sensitivity and 91.7% specificity. There were no significant differences in cytokine levels depending on the severity of the IgAV. Although the serum levels of the IL-17A, IL-18, and IL-23 increase significantly in the acute phase of the IgAV, they cannot be used as indicators of predicting the course of the disease. IL-17A seems to be a good predictor of IgAV occurrences.

Serum level of advanced oxidation protein products (AOPPs) in patients with Henoch-Schonlein purpura and its relationship with aberrant glycosylation of IgA1 and Cosmc mRNA expression

Background

Henoch–Schonlein purpura (HSP) is a systemic small vessel vasculitis that is mainly caused by IgA1‐type immune complex deposition. Advanced oxidation protein products (AOPPs) are specific markers of protein oxidation.

Objective

To explore the role of AOPPs in the pathogenesis of HSP.

Methods

There are 51 HSP patients who were divided into four subgroups: (i) skin type – 20 cases; (ii) joint type – 8 cases; (iii) abdominal type – 12 cases; (iv) renal type – 11 cases; and 18 healthy volunteers were enrolled as controls. The serum levels of AOPPs and Gd‐IgA1 were quantified by an HAA‐lectin‐based ELISA. The Cosmc mRNA expression in peripheral B lymphocytes was measured by RT‐PCR.

Results

1. Advanced oxidation protein products in different subgroups of HSP patients are all higher than the controls, while the renal‐type subgroup is the highest and the skin‐type subgroup is the lowest. 2. Spearman correlation analysis shows that: (i) AOPPs and Gd‐IgA1 in HSP patients are positively correlated; both of them are positively correlated with the disease severity scores; (ii) AOPPs are negatively correlated with the relative expression value (RQ) of Cosmc mRNA.

Conclusion

Advanced oxidation protein products play an important role in the pathogenesis of HSP, especially in renal‐type patients.

Altered mean platelet volume in children with Henoch-Schonlein purpura and its association with disease activity

Background

Henoch-Schonlein purpura is a systemic small-vessel vasculitis that occurs mainly in children. A review of the literature has suggested a correlation between mean platelet volume and several inflammatory disorders. However, to the best of our knowledge, any potential correlation between mean platelet volume and Henoch-Schonlein purpura has not been reported in the literature. Therefore, our study aimed to evaluate the role of mean platelet volume concentrations in patients with Henoch-Schonlein purpura.

Methods

This study included 97 children with Henoch-Schonlein purpura and 120 healthy individuals as controls.

Results

Mean platelet volume concentrations were found to be significantly lower in Henoch-Schonlein purpura patients compared with healthy controls (8.1 ± 0.86 vs. 9.4 ± 0.81, P < 0.001). Similarly, significant negative correlations were observed between mean platelet volume and neutrophil count, platelet count and erythrocyte sedimentation rate in patients with Henoch-Schonlein purpura (r=−0.327, P = 0.001; r=−0.419, P < 0.001; r=−0.255, P = 0.012). Interestingly, mean platelet volume was significantly lower in the acute phase compared with the convalescent phase of Henoch-Schonlein purpura patients (7.8 ± 0.86 vs. 8.3 ± 0.77, P = 0.002). A cut-off value for mean platelet volume was 7.85 with area under the curve of 0.726 to identify acute phase vs. convalescent phase in patients with Henoch-Schonlein purpura. Mean platelet volume was independently associated with Henoch-Schonlein purpura in logistic regression analysis (odds ratio = 0.114, 95% confidence interval = 0.053–0.243, P < 0.001).

Conclusions

Our results suggest that mean platelet volume is inversely associated with disease in patients with Henoch-Schonlein purpura, and mean platelet volume may be a useful marker to identify active disease in Henoch-Schonlein purpura patients.

Endothelial function in children with a history of henoch schonlein purpura

BACKGROUND

Although Henoch-Schonlein purpura (HSP) is the most common form of systemic vasculitis in children, the long term effect of HSP on endothelial function is still not clear. The aim of our study was to evaluate the long term effect of HSP on endothelial function in children and adolescents.

METHODS

This research was an observational prospective study. The study group comprised of 19 children diagnosed with HSP. The minimum interval between the diagnosis with HSP and endothelial testing was 5 months. Endothelial function evaluation was assessed by a noninvasive technology named peripheral arterial tonometry, using an EndoPAT™ device. This method measures blood flow in the limb, in response to arterial occlusion, and calculates a Reactive Hyperemic Index (RHI) as an index of endothelial function. RHI values of the study group were compared to those of a known control group.

RESULTS

Nineteen children and adolescents with HSP underwent endothelial function studies. Endothelial function was compared to that of a known control group comprising of 23 healthy children and adolescents. The two groups had similar characteristics, including age, male to female ratio, height, weight and BMI. Mean RHI was 1.81 in the study group, and 1.87 in the control group (p = 0.18). Linear regression of the study group, showed a positive correlation between the time interval from HSP diagnosis to participation in the study, and between the RHI value (r = 0.542, p = 0.016). RHI levels were significantly higher in patients who had endothelial function measured more than 6 years since the diagnosis of HSP compared with those patients with less than 6 years follow up (1.98 + 0.74 vs. 1.38 ± 0.43 P = 0.037).

CONCLUSIONS

These results suggest that HSP causes short term endothelial dysfunction that improves with time.

Increased risk of renal biopsy complications in patients with IgA-nephritis

BACKGROUND

The aim of this study was to investigate if specific clinical and histological findings can be related to biopsy complications to enable more closely monitoring patients at high risk.

METHODS

Results from 1081 biopsies (994 patients, median age 54.5 years; 896 native and 185 transplant kidney biopsies) were included. Diagnostic quality, morphology, clinical data and complications were prospectively registered.

RESULTS

In native kidney biopsies, the most common diagnosis was IgA-nephritis, while in transplant kidney biopsies it was rejection. Patients with IgA-nephritis had a higher risk of major complications (11.7 versus 6.4 %, Odds Ratio (OR) 1.8, Confidence Interval (CI) 1.1-3.2) when compared to patients with other diseases. In native kidney biopsies, patients who experienced major complications had higher degrees of glomerulosclerosis (31 versus 20 %, p = 0.008), whereas in transplant kidney biopsies, patients had higher degrees of interstitial fibrosis (82 versus 33 %, p < 0.001) when compared to patients without major complications. IgA-nephritis-patients had a higher risk of re-biopsies (4.7 versus 1.3 %, OR 4, CI 1.5-11) than patients with other diseases. Patients with native kidneys who needed re-biopsies were younger (42.6 versus 52.3 years, p = 0.031) and had a higher degree of interstitial fibrosis (63 versus 34 %, p = 0.046).

CONCLUSIONS

Patients with IgA-nephritis have an increased risk of major biopsy complications. The risk of re-biopsies was higher in younger individuals and in patients with IgA-nephritis.

An analysis of the levels of the soluble form of the endothelial protein C receptor in children with Henoch-Schönlein Purpura

The pathogenesis of Henoch-Schönlein Purpura (HSP) has not been clearly defined. Inflammatory cytokines have been associated with HSP but there are only a few reports that have focused on coagulation. The endothelial protein C receptor (EPCR), which has anticoagulant and antiinflammatory activity, is the key component of the protein C pathway. Recent studies have implicated the soluble form of EPCR (sEPCR) in Wegener's granulomatosis, Behçet's disease, and systemic lupus erythematosus. The aim of this study was to evaluate the levels of sEPCR in HSP children. Twenty-two children with HSP and 17 healthy children were included. We found no significant differences (P > .05) between patient and control groups in the levels of von Willebrand factor and thrombomodulin. The median sEPCR values in the HSP group were lower than the control group (79 vs. 102 ng/mL, respectively) (P > .05). The mean sEPCR value in HSP patients with severe abdominal pain was lower than without (88.8 ± 54.9 vs. 108.2 ± 66.3 ng/mL, respectively) (P > .05). In addition, the mean IL-6 serum levels were significantly elevated in HSP patients during the acute stage of HSP (2.1 ± 1.7 vs. 1.5 ± 1.2 pg/mL, P = .038). We also observed a slight negative correlation between the levels of sEPCR and IL-6 (R = -.135, P > .05). To our knowledge, this was the first study to analyze sEPCR levels in HSP. Our results did not conclusively identify a direct role of sEPCR in HSP, but our findings warrant further investigations, especially in severe HSP cases characterized by gastrointestinal bleeding or renal involvement.

Laboratory markers indicating gastrointestinal involvement of henoch-schönlein purpura in children

PURPOSE

To determine clinically useful biochemical markers reflecting disease activity and/or gastrointestinal (GI) tract involvement in Henoch-Schönlein purpura (HSP).

METHODS

A total of 185 children with HSP and 130 controls were included. Laboratory data indicating inflammation, standard coagulation, and activated coagulation were analyzed for the HSP patients, including measurements of the hemoglobin level, white blood cell (WBC) count, absolute neutrophil count (ANC), platelet count, erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR), C-reactive protein (CRP) level, prothrombin time, activated partial thromboplastin time, and fibrinogen, D-dimer, and fibrin degradation product (FDP) levels. The clinical scores of the skin, joints, abdomen, and kidneys were assessed during the acute and convalescence phases of HSP.

RESULTS

The WBC count, ANC, ESR, and CRP, fibrinogen, D-dimer, and FDP levels were significantly higher in the acute phase compared with the convalescent phase of HSP (p<0.05). The total clinical scores were more strongly correlated with the D-dimer (r=0.371, p<0.001) and FDP (r=0.369, p<0.001) levels than with inflammatory markers, such as the WBC count (r=0.241, p=0.001), ANC (r=0.261, p<0.001), and CRP (r=0.260, p<0.001) levels. The patients with GI symptoms had significantly higher ANC (median [interquartile range], 7,138.0 [4,446.4-9,470.0] vs. 5,534.1 [3,263.0-8,153.5], p<0.05) and CRP (0.49 [0.15-1.38] vs. 0.23 [0.01-0.67], p<0.05), D-dimer (2.63 [1.20-4.09] vs. 1.75 [0.62-3.39]), and FDP (7.10 [0.01-13.65] vs. 0.10 [0.01-7.90], p<0.05) levels than those without GI symptoms.

CONCLUSION

D-dimer and FDPs are more strongly associated with disease activity and more consistently reflect GI involvement than inflammatory markers during the acute phase of HSP.

Adult Henoch-Schönlein Purpura with Severe Abdominal Pain Treated with Dapsone and Factor XIII Concentrate

We describe an adult patient with Henoch-Schönlein purpura who had arthralgia, severe abdominal pain, and low plasma factor XIII activity. Corticosteroids were not used because of his history of multidrug-resistant pulmonary tuberculosis. Dapsone had no immediate effect on his abdominal pain, but appeared to have some effect on the purpura and arthralgia. Marked improvement of the abdominal pain was observed immediately after the administration of factor XIII concentrate. Factor XIII concentrate may be useful for alleviating abdominal pain in Henoch-Schönlein purpura patients when corticosteroids are contraindicated

Advances in our understanding of the pathogenesis of Henoch-Schönlein purpura and the implications for improving its diagnosis

Henoch-Schönlein purpura (HSP) is a leukocytoclastic vasculitis classically characterized by palpable purpura, arthritis, abdominal pain and renal disease. In this article, we summarize our current understanding of the pathogenesis of HSP and the implications for improving its diagnosis. Although the pathogenesis of HSP is not fully understood yet, exciting new information has emerged in recent years, leading to a better understanding of its pathogenesis. Here, we discuss genetic predisposition, immunoglobulins with a particular emphasis on IgA1, activated complements, cytokines and chemokines, abnormal coagulation and autoantibodies in the underlying pathogenic mechanisms. Finally, diagnostic criteria for HSP developed by institutions such as the American College of Rheumatology and the European League against Rheumatism/Paediatric Rheumatology European Society were proposed to improve early detection and diagnosis.

Cytokine pattern and endothelium damage markers in Henoch-Schönlein purpura

In a longitudinal cohort study our aim was to evaluate the cytokine pattern of children affected by Henoch-Schonlein purpura (HSP) and to correlate this pattern to vascular endothelium damage and to nephropathy. The following parameters were monitored at the onset of the disease (T0) and after 6 months of follow-up (T1): clinical scores, serum levels of tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-alpha), interleukin 2 (IL-2), soluble IL-2 receptor (IL-2sRalpha), fibrinogen, von Willebrand factor antigen (vWf:Ag) and soluble thrombomodulin (TMD) levels. A total of 24 children (9 M, 15 F), affected by HSP, aged between 3-14 years (median 6 years), were enrolled into the study. IL-2 serum levels were significantly increased at the onset of the disease compared to control group and T1. The same pattern was observed for IL-2sRalpha and TNF-alpha. Fibrinogen and vWf:Ag concentrations were significantly higher at the onset of disease than t1 and in control group. TMD levels resulted constantly within the normal range. Concerning the analyzed parameters, no significant difference resulted to be in subjects with and without renal involvement (hematuria and/or proteinuria). Finally, raised serum TNF-alpha concentration, related to vascular endothelium damage as shown by increased vWf:Ag levels, occurred invariably in children affected by HSP both with and without renal involvement.

Endothelin 1 levels in relation to clinical presentation and outcome of Henoch Schonlein purpura

Background

Henoch Schonlein purpura (HSP) is a common vasculitis of small vessels whereas endothelin-1 (ET-1) is usually reported elevated in vasculities and systematic inflammation. The aim of the present study was to investigate whether ET-1 levels are correlated with the clinical presentation and the outcome of HSP.

Methods

The study sample consisted of thirty consecutive patients with HSP. An equal number of healthy patients of similar age and the same gender were served as controls. The patients' age range was 2–12.6 years with a mean ± SD = 6.3 ± 3 years. All patients had a physical examination with a renal, and an overall clinical score. Blood and urinary biochemistry, immunology investigation, a skin biopsy and ET-1 measurements in blood and urine samples were made at presentation, 1 month later and 1 year after the appearance of HSP. The controls underwent the same investigation with the exception of skin biopsy.

Results

ET-1 levels in plasma and urine did not differ between patients and controls at three distinct time points. Furthermore the ET-1 were not correlated with the clinical score and renal involvement was independent from the ET-1 measurements. However, the urinary ET-1 levels were a significant predictor of the duration of the acute phase of HSP (HR = 0.98, p = 0.032, CI0.96–0.99). The ET-1 levels did not correlate with the duration of renal involvement.

Conclusion

Urinary ET-1 levels are a useful marker for the duration of the acute phase of HSP but not for the length of renal involvement.

Gastrointestinal manifestations of Henoch-Schonlein Purpura

Henoch-Schonlein Purpura (HSP) is the most common systemic vasculitis in childhood. The diagnostic criteria include palpable purpura with at least one other manifestation -- abdominal pain, IgA deposition, arthritis or arthralgia, or renal involvement. Immune complex deposits result in necrosis of the wall of small- and medium-sized arteries with infiltration of tissue by neutrophils and deposition of nuclear fragments, a process called leukocytoclastic vasculitis (LCV). It is often associated with infections, medications, or tumors. It may coexist with or mimic Crohn's disease. Periumbilical and epigastric pain worsens with meals, from bowel angina. Bleeding is usually occult or, less commonly, associated with melena. Intussusception, the most common surgical complication, is usually ileo-ileo or ileo-colic. Perforations, usually ileal, may occur spontaneously or be associated with intussusception. Ultrasound, recommended as the first diagnostic test, and CT scans may show intussusception and asymmetric bowel wall thickening mainly involving the jejunum and ileum. There are a range of endoscopic findings including gastritis, duodenitis, ulceration, and purpura, with the second portion of the duodenum characteristically being involved more than the bulb. Intestinal biopsies show IgA deposition and LCV in the submucosal vessels. Superficial biopsies may show inflammation, ulceration, edema, hemorrhage, and vascular congestion, presumably due to vasculitis-induced mucosal ischemia. The efficacy of corticosteroids in preventing severe complications or relapses is controversial. The majority of patients, however, improve spontaneously.

Henoch-Schonlein purpura: polymorphisms in thrombophilia genes

Henoch-Schonlein purpura (HSP) is a small-sized vasculitis affecting mainly children. Based on the hypothesis that an inherited predilection to hypercoagulability may predispose to HSP or may mark those who develop acute clinical manifestations, we evaluated the possible roles of methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase (MTHFR) gene C677T, factor V (FV) gene G1691A (Leiden), and prothrombin gene G20210A polymorphisms in patients with HSP. Fifty-two HSP patients (32 boys and 20 girls) from different ethnic groups (22 Jews and 30 Arabs) and 104 ethnically matched controls were studied for these three polymorphisms. The frequencies of these mutations for each group, separately and in combinations, are described. The mutation frequencies in the MTHFR, prothrombin and FV genes in HSP patients did not differ from those in controls. In a small number of individuals (n=5) homozygosity for the 677T thermolabile variant of MTHFR was associated with hematuria. To summarise, hypercoagulability does not seem to play a role in HSP. Studies in larger cohorts and possibly inclusion of additional factors may be needed to ascertain whether homozygoty for MTHFR 677T polymorphism can influence disease severity.

Pathogénie des vascularites systémiques primitives (II): vascularites ANCA-négatives

The pathogenesis of different types of systemic vasculitis negative for antineutrophil cytoplasm antibodies (ANCA) and involving small or medium-sized vessels is not very well documented. During polyarteritis nodosa (PAN), which is related to hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection, as well as during cryoglobulinemic vasculitides, associated with hepatitis C virus (HCV), and probably during Henoch Schönlein purpura, histological lesions may result from the deposition of immune complexes formed from viral antigens and from antibodies responsible for the activation of the classic complement pathway and for recruitment of polymorphonuclear neutrophils. Two other mechanisms are discussed for other types of ANCA-negative systemic vasculitis: immune complex deposition and sheer stress at arterial bifurcation points. A bacterial superantigen is suspected in Kawasaki disease but remains unproved.

The elevated markers of hypercoagulability in children with Henoch-Schönlein purpura

Twenty-eight children with HSP and 79 healthy children were entered into study. Activities of protein C, free-protein S and antithrombin, activated protein C resistance, levels of fibrinogen. D-dimer, thrombin-antithrombin complex (TAT), prothrombin fragments 1 + 2 (PF(1+2)), and von Willebrand factor antigen (vWAg) and its activity (RiCof) were investigated in acute and recovery phases of HSP and controls. Fibrinogen, D-dimer, TAT, PF(1+2), vWAg, and RiCof levels in patients with HSP during the acute phase were significantly higher than those of recovery phase and of the controls. A significant correlation was detected between severity of disease and TAT, PF(1+2), vWAg, and D-dimer levels.

Henoch-Schönlein purpura

Henoch-Schönlein purpura (HSP) is a multisystem immunoglobulin A-mediated vasculitis with a self-limited course affecting the skin, joints, gastrointestinal tract, and kidneys. HSP occurs most often in children between the ages of 3 and 10 years, and presents classically with a unique distribution of the rash to the lower extremities and the buttocks area. For this reason, a skin biopsy in children is rarely necessary for diagnosis. However, in the very young age children and adults, the rash is not classically distributed, and therefore a skin biopsy is often needed. Although there are currently no prospective controlled studies on the treatment of the different manifestations of HSP, there are several retrospectively designed studies and other physicians' personal experiences supporting the use of steroids in patients with severe gastrointestinal, severe renal, central nervous system, and testicular involvements. Severe renal and central nervous system disease may lead to life-threatening conditions, and immunosuppressive agents and plasmapheresis may be needed. The overall prognosis in HSP is excellent, but the long-term morbidity depends on the renal and neurologic involvement. One third to one half of these patients will have one or more recurrences of symptoms, usually within 6 weeks, but may occur as late as 3 to 7 years later.

Impaired vascular endothelium-dependent relaxation in Henoch-Schönlein purpura

Few reports have focused on vascular endothelial function in children with Henoch-Schönlein purpura (HSP). The purpose of the present study was to assess endothelial function and to follow serial changes from the acute to convalescent phases in children with HSP. Forearm flow-mediated vasodilation was evaluated in 21 patients with HSP, aged 4.0-10.3 years (median 6.2 years), and in 14 control subjects. Vascular dimension, mean velocity, and flow volume were measured by ultrasonography in brachial artery before and after hyperemia, and during incremental infusions of nitroglycerin (0.5, 1.0 microg/kg per min). In the controls, significant increases in dimension, mean velocity, and flow volume were observed in reactive hyperemia ( P<0.01). In contrast, patients in the acute phase of HSP showed a flow velocity profile indicating a highly resistant forearm circulation, and significantly attenuated responses after hyperemia ( P<0.01 vs. control), whereas the responses to nitroglycerin were well preserved. In addition, the impaired hyperemic responses recovered in the convalescent phase, with no significant differences compared with controls. These results clearly suggest that forearm vascular endothelium-dependent relaxation was attenuated in patients with acute HSP.

Schönlein-henoch purpura in children and adults: diagnosis, pathophysiology and management

Schönlein-Henoch syndrome is a form of systemic small-vessel vasculitis, characterised by vascular and/or mesangial immunoglobulin A1 deposits. The main clinical manifestations are vascular purpura, predominating on the lower limbs, and articular, gastrointestinal and renal symptoms. Pulmonary, cardiac, genital and neurological symptoms have also be observed. The syndrome usually affects children, whereas it is rare in adults. The frequency of renal involvement varies between individual studies (from 20 to 100%). Renal manifestations are usually mild and transient, although chronic nephropathies may occur. Overall, an estimated 2% of children with Schönlein-Henoch purpura progress to renal failure and up to 20% of children with nephritis treated in specialised centres require haemodialysis. The renal prognosis appears to be worse in adults. Aetiological investigations are required, as a triggering factor is found in approximately half the patients (e.g. viral, bacterial and parasitic infections, drugs, toxins, systemic diseases and cancer). Dapsone has beneficial effects on cutaneous, gastrointestinal and articular manifestations in adults, especially those with chronic forms. Corticosteroids may be useful for refractory abdominal pain. Methylprednisolone pulse therapy, immunosuppressive drugs (e.g. cyclophosphamide and azathioprine), plasma exchange and polyclonal immunoglobulin therapy are beneficial in very rare life-threatening forms of the disease and in rare instances where renal function is compromised.

What is the difference between IgA nephropathy and Henoch-Schönlein purpura nephritis?

Henoch-Schönlein purpura nephritis (HSPN) and IgA nephropathy (IgAN) are considered to be related diseases since both can be encountered consecutively in the same patient, they have been described in twins, and bear identical pathological and biological abnormalities. Apart from the presence of extrarenal clinical signs found only in HSPN, other differences are noticed between the two diseases. The peak age ranges between 15 and 30 years for a diagnosis of IgAN, whereas HSPN is mainly seen in childhood. Nephritic and/or nephrotic syndromes are more often seen at presentation in HSPN. In contrast to IgAN, HSPN has been described in association with hypersensitivity. Endocapillary and extracapillary inflammations as well as fibrin deposits in the glomerulus are more frequent in HSPN. No major biological differences have been found between the two illnesses, except for a larger size of circulating IgA-containing complexes (IgA-CC) and a greater incidence of increased plasma IgE levels in HSPN. As tissue infiltration by leukocytes is a major feature of HSPN vasculitis, a possible role of a more potent activation of the latter cells by IgA-CC and/or circulating chemokines in HSPN should be considered. Further studies are required to elucidate this possible mechanism as well as the role of hypersensitivity in HSPN.

Henoch-Schönlein purpura in children. Report of 100 patients and review of the literature

Henoch-Schönlein purpura (HSP) is an acute leukocytoclastic vasculitis that primarily affects children. In the current report, the author presents the clinical features of 100 children with HSP and reviews the literature, placing particular emphasis on new information concerning the etiology, immunopathogenesis, and treatment of HSP. The dominant clinical features of HSP are cutaneous purpura (100%), arthritis (82%), abdominal pain (63%), gastrointestinal bleeding (33%), and nephritis (40%). The etiology of HSP remains unknown, but it is clear that IgA plays a critical role in the immunopathogenesis of HSP, as evidenced by increased serum IgA concentrations, IgA-containing circulating immune complexes, and IgA deposition in vessel walls and renal mesangium. There are 2 subclasses of IgA, but HSP is associated with abnormalities involving IgA1 exclusively, and not IgA2. This finding may be a consequence of abnormal glycosylation of O-linked oligosaccharides unique to the hinge region of IgA1 molecules. Although several lines of evidence suggest a genetic susceptibility to HSP, the fundamental basis for the abnormalities involving IgA remain unclear. In general, HSP is an acute, self-limited illness, but one-third of patients will have 1 or more recurrences of symptoms. Corticosteroid therapy may hasten the resolution of arthritis and abdominal pain, but does not prevent recurrences. To date, no form of therapy has been shown to shorten appreciably the duration of HSP. The long-term prognosis of HSP is directly dependent on the severity of renal involvement. Corticosteroids in usual doses have no effect on established nephritis. Evidence is emerging that treatment with high-dose intravenous pulse methylprednisolone coupled with azathioprine or cyclophosphamide may be beneficial in patients with severe nephritis.