title: Endothelial function in children with a history of henoch schonlein purpura.
abstract: 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.
authors.affiliation: Department of Pediatrics B, Meyer Children's Hospital, Rambam Medical Center, Haifa, Israel. yonatanbutbul@gmail.com.|Pediatric Rheumatology Service, Meyer Children's Hospital, Rambam Medical Center, Haifa, Israel. yonatanbutbul@gmail.com.|Rappaport Faculty of Medicine, Technion-lsrael Institute of Technology, Haifa, Israel. yonatanbutbul@gmail.com.|Meyer Children's Hospital of Haifa, Rambam Medical Center, Efron Street 1, Bat-Galim, Haifa, 31096, Israel. yonatanbutbul@gmail.com.
authors.forename: Yonatan
authors.initials: Y
authors.lastname: Butbul Aviel
authors.affiliation: Rappaport Faculty of Medicine, Technion-lsrael Institute of Technology, Haifa, Israel.
authors.forename: Lotem
authors.initials: L
authors.lastname: Dafna
authors.affiliation: Rappaport Faculty of Medicine, Technion-lsrael Institute of Technology, Haifa, Israel.|Department of Pediatrics Carmel Medical Center, Haifa, Israel.
authors.forename: Giora
authors.initials: G
authors.lastname: Pilar
authors.affiliation: Department of Pediatrics B, Meyer Children's Hospital, Rambam Medical Center, Haifa, Israel.|Pediatric Rheumatology Service, Meyer Children's Hospital, Rambam Medical Center, Haifa, Israel.|Rappaport Faculty of Medicine, Technion-lsrael Institute of Technology, Haifa, Israel.
authors.forename: Riva
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Brik
mesh_terms: D015746:Abdominal Pain / Q000209:etiology; D000293:Adolescent; D001171:Arthritis, Juvenile / Q000150:complications; D016022:Case-Control Studies; D002648:Child; D004730:Endothelium, Vascular / Q000503:physiopathology*; D005260:Female; D006417:Hematuria / Q000150:complications; D006801:Humans; D006940:Hyperemia / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000503:physiopathology; D011695:IgA Vasculitis / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000503:physiopathology* / Q000628:therapy; D007902:Length of Stay; D008297:Male; D011446:Prospective Studies; D061665:Time-to-Treatment; D055815:Young Adult
keywords: Endothelial dysfunction; Henoch schonlein purpura