title: Partial response to anakinra in life-threatening Henoch-Schönlein purpura: case report.
abstract: Henoch-Schönlein purpura is one of the most common forms of systemic vasculitis of childhood. We report the response to anakinra, the interleukin-1 receptor antagonist, in a 9 year old girl without prior medical problems who developed life-threatening Henoch-Schönlein vasculitis that produced renal failure, pulmonary hemorrhage and vasculitis of the brain. Her response supports the theory that interleukin-1 may be an important mediator in this disease. Further study of interleukin-1 antagonists in severe Henoch-Schönlein purpura may be warranted.
authors.affiliation: Division of Rheumatology, Department of Pediatrics, University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, Oklahoma City, OK, USA. kathleen-oneil@ouhsc.edu.
authors.forename: Erynn M
authors.initials: EM
authors.lastname: Boyer
authors.forename: Martin
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Turman
authors.forename: Kathleen M
authors.initials: KM
authors.lastname: O'Neil