Production of Chemokines in Kawasaki Disease, Henoch-Schonlein Purpura and Acute Febrile Illness

We compared the production of three chemokines; interferon-gamma-inducible protein-10 (IP-10), monocyte chemoattractant protein-1 (MCP-1) and growth-related onco-gene-alpha(Gro-alpha) that attracts monocytes or neutrophils, or both, in peripheral blood at acute stage of Kawasaki disease (n=29), Henoch-Schonlein purpura (n=15) and acute febrile illnesses (n=12). The production of the chemokines was assayed by ELISA. The plasma levels of IP-10 were markedly elevated in Kawasaki disease (538.6 +/-336.4 pg/mL) and acute febrile illnesses (417.1 +/-262.2 pg/mL) compared with in Henoch-Schonlein purpura (58.7 +/-95.7 pg/mL) (p<0.05). The MCP-1 levels were elevated in Kawasaki disease (443.0 +/-473.1 pg/mL) and acute febrile illnesses (328.6 +/-261.1 pg/mL) compared with in Henoch-Schonlein purpura (82.9 +/-79.0 pg/mL) (p<0.05). The Gro- levels were elevated only in acute febrile illnesses (134.3 +/-153.6 pg/mL) compared with in Kawasaki disease (31.8 +/-22.1 pg/mL) or Henoch-Schonlein purpura (29.4 +/-53.3 pg/mL) (p<0.05). According to these results, monocytes may play an important role in Kawasaki disease. In acute febrile illness-es, both monocytes and neutrophils may play an important role. By contrast, Henoch-Schonlein purpura may not be associated with the role of monocytes and neutrophils. Further studies using a larger number of cases are needed.

Efficacy and Safety during the Combination Therapy of Imipramine and Desmopressin in Primary Monosymptomatic Nocturnal Enuresis

PURPOSE: Nocternal enuresis is a common disorder. Tricyclic antidepressant and desmopressin have been accepted pharmacological treatment for this disorder. We conducted a cooperative study to investigate the efficacy and adverse reactions of imipramine, desmopressin and combination treatment in children with primary monosymptomatic nocturnal enuresis(PMNE). METHODS: Data from a large multicenter study were analysed. In the period of 8 months in 2002, the study comprised of 168 children(78 boys and 90 girls, 5 to 15 years old) with PMNE for imipramine, desmopressin or combination treatment. Before treatment a history, physical examination and laboratory tests were performed and the children were observed for 2 weeks. Response rate, adverse reactions and enuresis episodes after stopping drug administration were evaluated after 12-weeks of imipramine, desmopressin or combination of both. RESULTS: After 4 weeks, the frequency of bed wetting in all treated patients decreased during treatment significantly. Even though a 30-50% reduction in the number of wet nights were 68.6%, 74.4% and 86.1% during 12 weeks treatment by imipramine, desmopressin and both of them respectively, there was no significant difference between them. The most common adverse reaction was decreased appetite from imipramine administration. But no serious drug-related adverse events were reported. CONCLUSION: Efficacy of the combination therapy of imipramine and desmopressin in PMNE appears not to be better than either drug alone. It is necessary to pay attention on account of adverse reactions during imipramine treatment even though imipramine and desmopressin were generally well tolerated.

A Case of Henoch-Schonlein Nephritis Mimicking Acute Poststreptococcal Glomerulonephritis in Histology

A girl aged 21 months with Henoch-Schonlein purpura(HSP) developed heavy proteinuria with hematuria 8 days after the appearance of purpuric rash, swelling and tenderness of both ankle joints. Her clinical and laboratory features demonstrated nephrotic and nephritic syndrome. The percutaneous renal biopsy revealed diffuse mesangial proliferative glomerulonephritis. Unlike usual HSP nephritis, immunoglobulin A deposition was not detected in the mesangium or the capillary of the glomeruli. Instead, numerous subepithelial electron-dense deposits("humps") mimicking acute poststreptococcal glomerulonephritis were found.

Treatment of Henoch-Sch?nlein Purpura with Intravenous Immunoglobulin / 영남의대학술지

We report the result of a high-dose intravenous immunoglobulin therapy in a Henoch-Sch?nlein purpura patient with severe abdominal pain and nephrotic syndrom who did not respond to methylprednisolone pulse therapy. Kidney bbiopsy showed diffuse mesangial cell proliferative glomerulonephritis with fibrocellular crescent formation in approximately 50% of glomeruli. Mesangium of all glomeruli were strong positive for IgA and C3 antibodies. High-dose intravenous immunoglobulin treatment was introduced and dramatic improvement of gastrointestinal symptom and proteinuria as well as hematuria was noted. Immunoglobulin administration should be considered in Henoch-Schnlein purpura patients with sterois-resistant intractable dastrointestinal manifestation and renal involvenment.