Antiphospholipid Antibodies in Patients with Small-Vessel Vasculitis

Investigators propose IgA antibodies as markers of disease in Henoch-Schönlein purpura, but this call may be premature.

The definition of adult Henoch-Schönlein purpura (HSP) is controversial, and the role of IgA antibodies in the pathogenesis of this disease is not fully established. Most classification systems do not include measures of circulating IgA antibodies or tissue-bound IgA in the disease definition. Nor has the presence of IgA been shown to confer any specific prognostic information.

Investigators compared the significance of antiphospholipid antibodies, specifically IgA variants, in 30 patients with HSP, 16 patients with other vasculitic syndromes, and 30 matched controls. They found IgA anticardiolipin antibodies in 22 of the patients with HSP (73%), but in none of the 8 patients with small-vessel vasculitis, the 8 with microscopic polyarteritis…

Reviewing Author

Jeffrey P. Callen, MD

Disclosures

Consultant / Advisory board XOMA; Eli Lilly; Celgene

Equity Various trust accounts

Editorial boards JAMA Dermatology; UpToDate

Leadership positions in professional societies Association of Professors of Dermatology (President-Elect)

Jeffrey P. Callen, MD

Disclosures

Consultant / Advisory board XOMA; Eli Lilly; Celgene

Equity Various trust accounts

Editorial boards JAMA Dermatology; UpToDate

Leadership positions in professional societies Association of Professors of Dermatology (President-Elect)