Schõnlein-Henoch purpura in adults: Report of four cases

Schoenlein-Henoch purpura is a systemic small vessel vasculitis mediated by IgA-1 deposition in organs such as the skin, kidney, and gastrointestinal tract; it has been mainly described in children where it has a favourable prognosis. Although much rarer in adulthood it is associated with an increased risk of severe kidney involvement, gastrointestinal com-plications, and prolonged hospital stay. The therapeutic options are wide and vary according to the degree of involvement of the patient and the organ mainly affected.

La púrpura de Schönlein-Henoch es una vasculitis sistêmica de pequeno vaso mediada por depósito de IgA en órganos como la piel, el riñón y el tracto gastrointestinal. Se ha descrito principalmente en niños, grupo de población en el que tiene un pronóstico favorable. Si bien en la edad adulta es mucho menos frecuente, se asocia con un mayor riesgo de compromiso renal severo, complicaciones gastrointestinales y estancia hospitalaria prolongada. Las opciones terapêuticas son amplias y varían según el grado de compromiso del paciente y el órgano más afectado.

Predictive Value of Complete Blood Count and Inflammation Marker on Risk of Recurrence in Children with Henoch-Schönlein Purpura / 中国实验血液学杂志

OBJECTIVE@#To investigate the predictive value of complete blood count (CBC) and inflammation marker on the recurrence risk in children with Henoch-Schönlein purpura (HSP).@*METHODS@#One hundred and thirty-three children with HSP admitted to Cangzhou Central Hospital from February 2017 to March 2019 were enrolled. The clinical data of the children were collected, at the time of admission CBC and C-reactive protein (CRP) were detected. After discharge, the children were followed up for 1 year, the clinical data of children with and without recurrence were compared, and multivariate logistic regression was used to analyze the risk factors affecting HSP recurrence. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve should be drawn and the predictive value of CBC and CRP on HSP recurrence should be analyzed.@*RESULTS@#In the follow-up of 133 children, 8 cases were lost and 39 cases recurred, with a recurrence rate of 31.20% (39/125). The age, skin rash duration, proportion of renal damage at the initial onset, percentage of neutrophils, percentage of lymphocytes, platelet count (PLT), mean platelet volume (MPV) and neutrophil/lymphocyte ratio (NLR), platelet/lymphocyte ratio (PLR), MPV/PLT ratio (MPR), and CRP level of patients with recurrence were statistically different from those without recurrence (P <0.05). Multivariate logistic regression analysis showed that long skin rash duration, renal damage at the initial onset, increased PLR, high PLT, increased MPV and elevated CRP level were independent risk factors for recurrence in children with HSP (P <0.05). The ROC curve analysis showed that the area under the curve (AUC) of the combination of the four blood and inflammation marker (PLT, MPV, PLR and CPR) in the early prediction of HSP recurrence was 0.898, which was higher than the initial renal damage (AUC=0.687) and persistent skin rash time (AUC=0.708), with a sensitivity of 84.62% and a specificity of 83.72%.@*CONCLUSION@#Observation of CBC and CPR can predict the risk of HSP recurrence early and guide early clinical intervention.

Potential components and mechanism of Liangxue Tuezi Mixture in treating Henoch-Schönlein purpura based on network pharmacology and metabolomics / 中国中药杂志

Ultra-performance liquid chromatography-quadrupole time of fight/mass spectrometry(UPLC-Q-TOF-MS) and UNIFI were employed to rapidly determine the content of the components in Liangxue Tuizi Mixture. The targets of the active components and Henoch-Schönlein purpura(HSP) were obtained from SwissTargetPrediction, Online Mendelian Inheritance in Man(OMIM), and GeneCards. A "component-target-disease" network and a protein-protein interaction(PPI) network were constructed. Gene Ontology(GO) functional annotation and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes(KEGG) pathway enrichment analysis were performed for the targets by Omishare. The interactions between the potential active components and the core targets were verified by molecular docking. Furthermore, rats were randomly assigned into a normal group, a model group, and low-, medium-, and high-dose Liangxue Tuizi Mixture groups. Non-targeted metabolomics was employed to screen the differential metabolites in the serum, analyze possible metabolic pathways, and construct the "component-target-differential metabolite" network. A total of 45 components of Liangxue Tuizi Mixture were identified, and 145 potential targets for the treatment of HSP were predicted. The main signaling pathways enriched included resistance to epidermal growth factor receptor tyrosine kinase inhibitors, phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase/protein kinase B(PI3K-AKT), and T cell receptor. The results of molecular docking showed that the active components in Liangxue Tuizi Mixture had strong binding ability with the key target proteins. A total of 13 differential metabolites in the serum were screened out, which shared 27 common targets with active components. The progression of HSP was related to metabolic abnormalities of glycerophospholipid and sphingolipid. The results indicate that the components in Liangxue Tuizi Mixture mainly treats HSP by regulating inflammation and immunity, providing a scientific basis for rational drug use in clinical practice.

Presentación inusual de infección por SARS-CoV-2 simulando púrpura de Schönlein Henoch (vasculitis por inmunoglobulina A) / Unusual presentation of SARS-CoV-2 infection simulating Schönlein Henoch purpura (immunoglobulin A vasculitis)

La vasculitis por inmunoglobulina A, anteriormente llamada púrpura Schönlein Henoch (VIgA/PSH), es la vasculitis sistémica más frecuente en la infancia. El desencadenante más común es una infección previa del tracto respiratorio superior. Se caracteriza por púrpura palpable no trombocitopénica con artralgias y/o artritis, afectación gastrointestinal y compromiso renal. SARS-CoV-2 es un virus ARN que causa la enfermedad COVID-19. Afecta frecuentemente el sistema respiratorio con presentaciones que varían desde una rinitis hasta condiciones severas como síndrome de distress respiratorio, shock séptico o síndrome de inflamación multisistémica (multi-system inflammation syndrome, MIS). Se describe el caso de un niño de 5 años de edad con clínica de VIgA/PSH como forma inicial de presentación y diagnóstico posterior de infección por SARS-CoV-2, derivado al hospital de mayor complejidad, con encefalopatía hipertensiva que presentó evolución favorable y restitución completa del cuadro clínico

Immunoglobulin A vasculitis, previously called Henoch Schonlein purpura (IgAV/ HSP), is the most common systemic vasculitis in childhood. The most common trigger is a previous upper respiratory infection. It is characterized by palpable non-thrombocytopenic purpura with arthralgia and/or arthritis, gastrointestinal and kidney involvement. SARS-CoV-2 is an RNA virus that causes COVID-19 disease. It frequently affects the respiratory system with presentations ranging from rhinitis to severe conditions such as respiratory distress syndrome, septic shock, or multi-system inflammation syndrome (MIS). We describe the case of a 5-year-old boy with symptoms of IgAV/HSP as the initial form of presentation and subsequent diagnosis of SARS-CoV-2 infection, being referred to a more complex hospital with hypertensive encephalopathy, presenting a favorable evolution and complete restoration of the clinical picture.

Henoch-Schönlein Purpura (Childhood Immunoglobulin A Vasculitis) caused by dental infection in one of fraternal twins: A case report

@#Henoch-Schönlein purpura (HSP) is the most common form of vasculitis in children that is clinically characterized by the classic triad of palpable purpura, joint symptoms, and abdominal pain. A 6-year-old girl, one of fraternal twins, was admitted to the Pediatric Department, Universitas Airlangga with fever, rashes on legs and arms and intermittent mild abdominal pain. She had multiple purpuric rashes on her extremities, abdomen and buttocks. Laboratory investigation revealed immunoglobulin A level of 289.6 mg/dL. The patient was diagnosed as HSP vasculitis according to EULAR criteria and treated with intravenous methylprednisolone. She was discharged after three days with normal physical examination and laboratory findings. Intraoral examination showed dental infection in the upper tooth region. The paediatrician suspected a correlation between HSP and her dental infection. The dental infection and genetic susceptibility may be the stimulant factors for the autoimmune reactions that caused HSP vasculitis. Hence, it might be useful to investigate the presence of dental infection in the etiology of HSP cases.

Infección por citomegalovirus en púrpura de Henoch-Schönlein del anciano como complicación y factor perpetuador de la enfermedad. Reporte de caso / Cytomegalovirus infection and Henoch-Schönlein purpura in the elderly as a complication and factor that perpetuates the disease. Case report

RESUMEN La púrpura de Henoch-Schönlein en el adulto es un reto diagnóstico. Su baja incidencia y su sintomatología poco específica configuran un cuadro clínico que puede pasar desapercibido en diversas ocasiones o solaparse bajo el peso de diferentes sospechas diagnósticas. La púrpura de Henoch-Schönlein no es un cuadro de espectro único. Se considera un grupo de enfermedades de manifestación heterogénea con un eje patogénico común dado por el hallazgo de inflamación de la pared en vasos de pequeño calibre mediada por complejos inmunes. Este es el caso de un paciente de 70 arios quien cursa con un cuadro compatible con púrpura de Henoch-Schönlein, de inicio tardío, caracterizada por su difícil manejo y constantes recaídas. a pesar del uso cuidadoso de las pautas terapéuticas establecidas por los consensos actuales. En este paciente se documentó, de forma concomitante, una infección por citomegalovirus que al recibir tratamiento permitió el control adecuado de síntomas. Adicionalmente, este paciente presentaba una linfocitopenia que parecía ser secundaria a la infección viral.

ABSTRACT Henoch-Schönlein purpura in the adult is a diagnostic challenge. Its low incidence and its unspecific symptomatology in this age group, establish a clinical chart that can be ignored on several occasions. Henoch-Schönlein purpura is considered a group of diseases of heterogeneous manifestation with a common pathogenic axis: the finding of inflammation of the wall of the small calibre vessels, mediated by immune complexes. The case is presented of a 70-year-old patient with a difficult to treat Henoch-Schönlein purpura, with constant relapses despite the use of the therapeutic guidelines established in the current guidelines. In this patient, a concomitant cytomegalovirus infection was documented that, after receiving treatment, allowed adequate control of symptoms. Additionally, this patient also had a lymphocytopenia that was secondary to cytomegalovirus.

Vasculitis IgA en el adulto. Informe de caso / IgA vasculitis in adults. Case report

RESUMEN La vasculitis IgA, también conocida como púrpura de Schönlein-Henoch, es una vasculitis leucocitoclástica que involucra pequeños vasos con depósito de inmunocomplejos IgA. Puede abarcar piel, articulaciones, riñones y tracto gastrointestinal. Su presentación en adultos es rara, y las formas clínicas suelen ser más agresivas. Es objetivo del presente trabajo describir el curso y evolución de vasculitis IgA, en un paciente de 59 años, con púrpuras en miembros inferiores y tronco, hematuria macroscópica, y edema de miembros inferiores. Los complementarios mostraron creatininas elevadas, proteinuria de rango nefrótico, elevación de la IgA y anticuerpos contra el citoplasma de los neutrófilos negativos. Se descartaron causas neoplásicas. El estudio anatomo-patológico del riñón concluyó una vasculitis IgA.

ABSTRACT IgA vasculitis, also known as Henoch-Schönlein purpura, is a leukocytoclastic vasculitis that involves small vessels with deposition of IgA immune complexes. It can include skin, joints, kidneys, and gastrointestinal tract. Its presentation in adults is rare, and the clinical forms are usually more aggressive. The objective of this study is to describe the course and evolution of IgA vasculitis, in a 59-years-old patient, with purples in the lower limbs and trunk, macroscopic hematuria, and lower limb edema. The complementary ones showed elevated creatinines, nephrotic range proteinuria, elevated IgA and negative antibodies against the cytoplasm of neutrophils. Neoplastic causes were dismissed. The anatomical-pathological study of the kidney concluded IgA vasculitis.

Analysis of clinical characteristics of Henoch-Schonlein purpura patients from different altitudes in plateau areas / 北京大学学报(医学版)

OBJECTIVE@#To investigate the clinical characteristics of Henoch-Schonlein purpura (HSP) patients from different altitudes in Tibet plateau areas of China.@*METHODS@#A retrospective study was used to analyze the 190 HSP patients admitted to Tibet Autonomous Region People ' s Hospital form April 2014 to May 2021. The subjects were divided into 3 groups according to the altitude of long-term residence before onset and the clinical data at different altitudes were compared and analyzed.@*RESULTS@#There were no significant differences in the age of onset and gender in HSP patients at different altitudes (P>0.05). The HSP patients in high altitude areas were more likely to have digestive symptoms (P < 0.01). The patients were more likely to have kidney or joint involvement at higher altitudes. The platelets [(512.1±55.0)×109 /L] and C reactive protein [11.2 (5.7, 19.4) g/L] in high altitude areas were significantly higher than at medium altitudes [(498.3±76.9)×109 /L and 9.5 (4.6, 13.5) g/L] and lower altitudes [(456.4±81.2)×109/L and 3.7 (0.2, 8.9) g/L] respectively. The effective rate of treatment was 98.9%, while there was no significant difference of outcome from different altitudes (P>0.05). The patients who were repeatedly hospitalized all had kidney involvement and no immunosuppressive agents were added in the initial treatment.@*CONCLUSION@#HSP is common in high altitude areas. There was little difference in age of onset and gender at different altitudes. Abdominal pain was the most common clinical manifestation. Patients in high altitude areas were more likely to have severe abdominal problems. Kidney involvement may be poor prognostic factor. Early application of glucocorticoid combined with immunosuppressive agents can effectively control the disease and reduce the recurrence of HSP.

Glomerulonefritis rápidamente progresiva mediada por inmunocomplejos (tipo II). Revisión de la literatura / Immune complex-mediated rapidly progressive glomerulonephritis (type II). Literature review

La glomerulonefritis rápidamente progresiva mediada por complejos inmunes (GMNRP II) es un síndrome clínico caracterizado por el rápido deterioro de la función renal asociado a hematuria, edemas y oliguria. Histológicamente se manifiesta como una glomerulonefritis crescéntica, con la presencia de depósitos granulares en la inmunofluorescencia. Aunque es una enfermedad rara, es grave y puede evolucionar a una enfermedad renal crónica, por lo cual es fundamental su identificación temprana. A continuación, se presenta una revisión sobre este tipo de glomerulonefritis, con énfasis en su etiología y en las opciones terapéuticas existentes en la actualidad

Rapidly progressive immune complex-mediated glomerulonephritis (RPGNMN II) is a clinical syndrome characterized by severe deterioration of renal function associated with hematuria, edema, and oliguria. It is histologically characterized as a crescentic glomerulonephritis, with the presence of granular deposits on immunofluorescence. Although it is a rare condition, it is a potentially serious disease that may progress to chronic renal disease, therefore its early identification is essential. Here we present a review of this form of glomerulonephritis, with emphasis on its etiology and the currently available therapeutic options

Clinical effect of alfacalcidol in children with Henoch-Schönlein purpura: a prospective randomized controlled trial / 中国当代儿科杂志

OBJECTIVES@#To study the effects of alfacalcidol on serum 25-(OH)D@*METHODS@#A total of 200 children with HSP were prospectively enrolled from June 2018 to June 2020. According to the random number table method, they were divided into an observation group and a control group (@*RESULTS@#After treatment, the observation group showed a significantly higher serum 25-(OH)D@*CONCLUSIONS@#Alfacalcidol can increase the serum 25-(OH)D

Efficacy and safety of mycophenolate mofetil versus cyclophosphamide in the treatment of Henoch-Schönlein purpura nephritis with nephrotic-range proteinuria in children: a prospective randomized controlled trial / 中国当代儿科杂志

OBJECTIVE@#To study the efficacy and safety of mycophenolate mofetil (MMF) versus cyclophosphamide (CTX) in the treatment of children with Henoch-Schönlein purpura nephritis (HSPN) and nephrotic-range proteinuria.@*METHODS@#A prospective clinical trial was conducted in 68 pediatric patients who were admitted to the Department of Nephrology, Children's Hospital Affiliated to Capital Institute of Pediatrics and who were diagnosed with HSPN and nephrotic-range proteinuria from August 2016 to November 2019. The patients were randomly divided into two groups:MMF treatment (@*RESULTS@#At months 3, 6, and 12 of treatment, there was no significant difference in the complete remission rate and the response rate between the MMF treament and CTX treatment groups (@*CONCLUSIONS@#MMF and CTX have similar efficacy and safety in the treatment of HSPN children with nephrotic-range proteinuria.

Selection of enteral nutrition regimens for children with abdominal Henoch-Schönlein purpura / 中国当代儿科杂志

OBJECTIVE@#To explore the reasonable and effective enteral nutrition regimen for children with abdominal Henoch-Schönlein purpura (HSP).@*METHODS@#A retrospective analysis was performed on the medical data of children with abdominal HSP who were hospitalized from August 2013 to August 2018. According to the starting time of enteral nutrition after abdominal pain relief, the children were divided into three groups: < 24 hours (@*RESULTS@#The retrospective analysis showed that the children who were given extensively hydrolyzed lactoprotein formula for enteral nutrition at 24-48 hours after abdominal pain relief had a lower recurrence rate of clinical symptoms and the highest degree of satisfaction among their family members (@*CONCLUSIONS@#It is reasonable and effective to start the feeding with extensively hydrolyzed lactoprotein formula at 24-48 hours after abdominal pain relief in children with abdominal HSP.

Clinical effect and mechanism of total glucosides of paeony in the adjuvant therapy for children with Henoch-Schönlein purpura nephritis: a prospective randomized controlled study / 中国当代儿科杂志

OBJECTIVE@#To study the clinical effect and mechanism of total glucosides of paeony (TGP) in the adjuvant therapy for children with Henoch-Schönlein purpura nephritis (HSPN).@*METHODS@#Sixty-four HSPN children with moderate proteinuria were divided into a TGP treatment group (@*RESULTS@#Compared with the healthy children before treatment, the children with HSPN had higher proportion of Tfh cells and expression levels of IL-21 and IL-4 (@*CONCLUSIONS@#TGP has a marked clinical effect in the treatment of HSPN and can reduce the inflammatory response of the kidney and exert a protective effect on the kidney by inhibiting the proliferation of Tfh cells and downregulating the expression of IL-21 and IL-4 in plasma.

Función predictiva del índice de neutrófilos/linfocitos y del volumen plaquetario medio en la púrpura de Henoch-Schönlein relacionada con compromiso renal y gastrointestinal / Predictive role of neutrophil to lymphocyte ratio and mean platelet volume in Henoch-Schönlein purpura related gastrointestinal and renal involvement

Antecedentes: La púrpura de Henoch-Schönlein (PHS) es una vasculitis sistémica de vasos pequeños. El objetivo fue evaluar el índice de neutrófilos/linfocitos (INL) en sangre y el volumen plaquetario medio (VPM) en la PHS e investigar la relación con el compromiso renal y gastrointestinal.Métodos: Se incluyeron niños con PHS y controles sanos. Se evaluaron concentración de hemoglobina, recuento de leucocitos, recuento de trombocitos, INL, VPM, velocidad de sedimentación globular y proteína C-reactiva.Resultados: El INL fue significativamente mayor en los pacientes con PHS con hemorragia gastrointestinal (p < 0,001). El valor ideal de corte del INL para predecir la hemorragia gastrointestinal fue 2,05, con 93 % de sensibilidad y 62 % de especificidad. El VPM fue significativamente mayor en los pacientes con PHS con compromiso renal (p = 0,027).Conclusiones: El INL en sangre y el VPM podrían ser útiles para identificar el compromiso renal y gastrointestinal en la PHS

Background: Henoch-Schönlein purpura (HSP) is a systemic small-vessel vasculitis that occurs mainly in children. The aim was to evaluate the blood neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio (NLR) and mean platelet volume (MPV) in patients with HSP and to investigate the relationship with gastrointestinal and renal involvement.Methods: Children with HSP and healthy individuals as controls were included. Hemoglobin level, white blood cell count, platelet count, NLR, MPV erythrocyte sedimentation rate and C-reactive protein were evaluated.Results: There were 71 HSP children and 74 controls. NLR was significantly higher in HSP patients with gastrointestinal bleeding than without gastrointestinal bleeding (p < 0,001). The optimal cutoff value of NLR for predicting gastrointestinal bleeding was 2.05, with 93 % sensitivity and 62 % specificity. MPV was significantly higher in HSP patients with renal involvement than without renal involvement (p = 0,027).Conclusions:Blood NLR and MPV may be useful markers to identify gastrointestinal and renal involvement in HSP patients.

Púrpura de Schönlein-Henoch en pediatría: Diez años de experiencia en un consultorio de moderado riesgo en un hospital general / Henoch-Schönlein purpura in pediatrics: Ten years of experience at a moderate risk office of a general hospital

Introducción. La púrpura de Schönlein-Henoch (PSH) es la vasculitis leucocitoclástica de pequeños vasos más común en la infancia. Se caracteriza por púrpura palpable y/o compromiso articular, abdominal o renal. Objetivo: Describir las características epidemiológicas, clínicas, de laboratorio y evolutivas en pacientes con PSH. Población y métodos. Estudio observacional, descriptivo, retrospectivo. Se incluyeron pacientes menores de 15 años durante el período 1/1/2008 al 31/12/2017 que cumplían con los criterios de Ankara para el diagnóstico de PSH. Resultados. Se incluyeron 339 pacientes con PSH; la distribución fue similar en ambos sexos; edad promedio de presentación: 7,02 años (± 3,02). El 78 % presentó forma típica y el 22 %, atípica, con compromiso articular previo a la aparición de la púrpura. Manifestaciones articulares: el 82 %; compromiso abdominal: el 54 %; manifestaciones renales: el 19 %. El 68 % de los pacientes que tuvieron compromiso renal lo manifestaron dentro del primer mes desde el debut. El síntoma más frecuente fue la hematuria aislada y el 22 % de los pacientes con compromiso renal presentó formas moderadas-graves de nefritis. El 15 % de los pacientes presentó recurrencia/s. Conclusión. Las manifestaciones articulares fueron más frecuentes de lo descrito en otras series y el compromiso renal fue menor. Si bien este compromiso suele manifestarse en los primeros meses de evolución, se destaca la necesidad del seguimiento de estos pacientes con controles urinarios y de tensión arterial en la evaluación pediátrica.

Introduction. Henoch-Schönlein purpura (HSP) is the most common small vessel leukocytoclastic vasculitis during childhood. It is characterized by palpable purpura and/or joint, abdominal or renal involvement. Objective. To describe the epidemiological, clinical, laboratory, and evolutionary characteristics of patients with HSP. Population and methods. Observational, descriptive, and retrospective study. Patients younger than 15 years who met the Ankara criteria for HSP diagnosis were included in the period between 1/1/2008 and 12/31/2017.Results. A total of 339 patients with HSP were included; the male/female distribution was similar; their average age at onset was 7.02 years (± 3.02). The typical form was observed in 78 % and the atypical form, in 22 %, with joint involvement prior to purpura onset. Joint manifestations: 82 %; abdominal involvement: 54 %; renal manifestations: 19 %. Among patients with renal involvement, 68 % experienced it in the first month after onset. The most common symptom was isolated hematuria, and 22 % of patients with renal involvement had moderate to severe nephritis. Recurrences were observed in 15 % of patients. Conclusion. Joint manifestations were more common than what has been described in other series, whereas renal involvement was less common. Although it usually occurs in the first months of disease onset, it is worth noting that these patients need follow-up with urinary and blood pressure controls as part of their pediatric assessment.

Effects of IL-27 on Th17 Cells in Patients with Henoch-Schönlein Purpura / 中国实验血液学杂志

OBJECTIVE@#To investigate the effect of IL-27 on Th17 cells in patients with henoch-schönlein purpura（HSP） in order to further elucidate the pathogenesis.@*METHODS@#Fifty patients with HSP treated in our hospital from April 2019 to July 2019 were selected as HSP group, and 30 volunteers underwent physical examination at the same time were selected as control group. The proportion of Th17 cells in peripheral blood of HSP group and healthy control group was determined by flow cytometry (FCM). A total of 27 HSP patients were selected, and candidate peripheral blood mononuclear lymphocytes (PBMC) were co-cultured with exogenous rhIL-27, and the ratio of Th17 cells was detected by flow cytometry.@*RESULTS@#The proportion of Th17 cells in the peripheral blood of HSP patients with acute phase was (1.57±0.54)%, which was significantly higher than that of the control group (0.86±0.40)% (t=-6.298, P<0.001), and the proportion of Th17 cells was decreased significantly after rhIL-27 co-culture (1.39%±0.52% vs 0.98%±0.44%)(P<0.05).@*CONCLUSION@#IL-27 can reduce the level of Th17 cells in patients with HSP, which may be involved in the pathogenic process of HSP and play a protective role in the development of the disease.

Expression and significance of follicular helper T cells and galactose-deficient IgA1 in children with Henoch-Schönlein purpura / 中国当代儿科杂志

OBJECTIVE@#To study the role of follicular helper T (Tfh) cells and galactose-deficient IgA1 (Gd-IgA1) in the pathogenesis of childhood Henoch-Schönlein purpura (HSP) and the correlation between them.@*METHODS@#A total of 36 children with newly-diagnosed HSP were enrolled. They were divided into two groups: HSP nephritis (HSPN) group with 11 children and non-HSPN group with 25 children according to the presence or absence of HSPN. Another 15 children who underwent physical examination at the outpatient service were enrolled as the healthy control group. Flow cytometry was used to measure the proportion of Tfh cells (CD4CXCR5ICOS) in peripheral blood. ELISA was used to measure the levels of interleukin-21 (IL-21) and interleukin-6 (IL-6) in peripheral blood and the serum levels of IgA1 and Gd-IgA1. A Pearson correlation analysis was used to investigate the correlation of serum Gd-IgA1 concentration with Tfh cells and related factors expression in the children with HSP.@*RESULTS@#Both the HSPN and non-HSPN groups had significantly higher proportion of Tfh cells and expression levels of IL-21 and IL-6 in peripheral blood than the healthy control group (P<0.05). The HSPN group had significant increases in the above indices compared with the non-HSPN group (P<0.05). Both the HSPN and non-HSPN groups had significantly higher serum levels of IgA1 and Gd-IgA1 than the healthy control group (P<0.05). The HSPN group had significantly higher serum levels of IgA1 and Gd-IgA1 than the non-HSPN group (P<0.05). In the children with HSP, serum Gd-IgA1 level was positively correlated with Tfh cells proportion and IL-21 and IL-6 levels (P<0.05).@*CONCLUSIONS@#Tfh cells and related cytokines and serum Gd-IgA1 are involved in the development of HSP/HSPN. Tfh cells may mediate the increased production of Gd-IgA1.

Henoch-Schönlein purpura nephritis associated with monoclonal gammopathy of renal significance: a case report

Monoclonal gammopathy of renal significance (MGRS) can present with different morphologic features and lead to kidney failure. The Henoch-Schönlein purpura nephritis (HSPN) that cannot be relieved by treatment with glucocorticoid and immunosuppressive agents suggests the presence of monoclonal gammopathy in adult patients. The present study reports on a single case of HSPN associated with IgA-κMGRS. The patient who suffered from recurrent skin purpura for 6 months and nephrotic syndrome for 2 months was admitted to our hospital. Bone marrow biopsy showed monoclonal gammopathy of undetermined significance. Kidney biopsy indicated a Henoch-Schönlein purpura nephritis (HSPN, ISKDC classified as type III) with positive staining with κ-light chain in the glomeruli and renal tubular epithelial cells. Furthermore, skin biopsy showed leukocytoclastic vasculitis and negative staining for Congo red and light chain. Given both the renal and cutaneous involvement, the patient was considered to have HSPN associated with IgA-κMGRS. The patient experienced an exacerbation in his purpura-like lesions and clinical status after treatment with glucocorticoid and immunosuppressive agents. Consequently, the patient was put on a regimen that included dexamethasone (20 mg on the 1st, 4th, 8th, and 11th days of each month, iv) and bortezomib (2.4 mg on the 1st, 4th, 8th, and 11th days of each month, iv). Eight weeks after treatment, he had complete resolution of his cutaneous purpura and his biochemical parameters improved. The latent presence of MGRS in cases of HSPN should be considered in adult patients. Increased cognizance and correct treatment options could improve patient outcomes.

The profile and clinical outcomes of patients with renal involvement due to IgA vasculitis: is azathioprine a good option for treatment?

Abstract Background: The Henoch-Schonlein Purpura (HSP) or IgA vasculitis is the most common vasculitis of childhood and may occur with renal involvement, with hematuria and / or proteinuria, and may cause severe and non-reversible sequelae. Objectives: To establish the profile of patients with renal involvement due to IgA vasculitisand to describe our experience with the use of azathioprine to treat patients with nephritis. Methods: Clinical data were retrospectively collected from medical records of patients with IgA vasculitiswho attended the pediatric rheumatology unit between 1995 and 2017. Patients were separated into two groups based on whether or notthey weretreated with non-glucocorticoid immunosuppressants. Results: From the178 patients with IgA vasculitis, nephritis was found in67 patients (37.6%), 13 of whom receivedtreatment with non-glucocorticoid immunosuppressants. Ten patients responded well to azathioprine and 1 patient to cyclosporine. Forty patients received oral glucocorticoids, whilst 16received intravenous glucocorticoids. Conclusion: Azathioprine may be beneficial in the treatment of IgA vasculitis with renal involvement.

Clinical effect of double filtration plasmapheresis combined with glucocorticoid and immunosuppressant in treatment of children with severe Henoch-Schönlein purpura nephritis / 中国当代儿科杂志

OBJECTIVE@#To study the clinical effect and safety of double filtration plasmapheresis (DFPP) combined with double pulse therapy with methylprednisolone (MP) and cyclophosphamide (CTX) in the treatment of children with severe Henoch-Schönlein purpura nephritis (HSPN).@*METHODS@#A total of 60 children with severe HSPN who were admitted to the hospital from January 2014 to March 2018 were enrolled and were randomly divided into an observation group and a control group (n=30 each). In addition to routine treatment, the children in the control group were given MP+CTX pulse therapy. Those in the observation group were given DFPP treatment in addition to the treatment in the control group, with three courses of treatment in total. After three courses of treatment, the two groups were compared in terms of 24-hour urinary protein, urinary microproteins, renal function parameters, adverse reactions, and clinical outcome.@*RESULTS@#After three courses of treatment, the observation group had significantly greater reductions in 24-hour urinary protein, urinary albumin, urinary immunoglobulin G, urinary β2-microglobulin, serum creatinine, and blood urea nitrogen than the control group (P0.05).@*CONCLUSIONS@#Compared with MP+CTX pulse therapy alone in the treatment of severe HSPN in children, DFPP combined with MP+CTX pulse therapy can further alleviate renal injury and improve clinical outcome and does not increase the incidence rate of adverse reactions.