title: Immunoglobulin and complement studies in children with Schönlein-Henoch Syndrome and other vasculitic diseases.
abstract: In 35 children with Schönlein-Henoch Syndrome (SHS) serum IgG, IgM, and IgA concentrations were increased in 15%, 21%, and 44% of cases, respectively. Seven children with other vasculitic syndromes (VS) had normal serum Ig concentrations. Serum concentration of IgG subclass IgG1 was increased in 72% of children with SHS and 57% with VS. In SHS this was related to the presence of arthritis, but inversely related to nephritic symptoms. Only a few children had IgG subclasses IgG2, IgG3, or IgG4 concentrations outside the normal ranges. Platelet associated Ig (PAIg) was found in 75% of children with SHS or VS. In SHS the identification of increased amounts of PAIgG was related to the presence of nephritis. The serum concentration of properdin, a component of the alternative complement system, was reduced in 21% of children with SHS. This was related to the presence of abdominal symptoms or nephritis. No cases of retinal vasculitis was observed, but 4 of 22 children with SHS had punctuate retinal haemorrhages. SHS and VS may be clinical variations of the same syndrome. The immunological aspects indicate a close relationship with autoimmune diseases.
authors.affiliation: Department of Paediatrics, Glostrup Hospital, Denmark.
authors.forename: S
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Petersen
authors.forename: E
authors.initials: E
authors.lastname: Taaning
authors.forename: T
authors.initials: T
authors.lastname: Söderström
authors.forename: B
authors.initials: B
authors.lastname: Pilgaard
authors.forename: L
authors.initials: L
authors.lastname: Tranebjaerg
authors.forename: T
authors.initials: T
authors.lastname: Christensen
authors.forename: H E
authors.initials: HE
authors.lastname: Nielsen
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D001323:Autoantibodies / Q000032:analysis; D001792:Blood Platelets / Q000276:immunology; D002648:Child; D002675:Child, Preschool; D006801:Humans; D011695:IgA Vasculitis / Q000097:blood / Q000276:immunology* / Q000473:pathology; D007070:Immunoglobulin A / Q000032:analysis; D007075:Immunoglobulin M / Q000032:analysis; D007136:Immunoglobulins / Q000032:analysis*; D007223:Infant; D010976:Platelet Count; D011414:Properdin / Q000032:analysis*; D012171:Retinal Vessels / Q000473:pathology; D014657:Vasculitis / Q000097:blood / Q000276:immunology* / Q000473:pathology
chemical_list: D001323:Autoantibodies; D007070:Immunoglobulin A; D007075:Immunoglobulin M; D007136:Immunoglobulins; D011414:Properdin