IgM Reactivity in Henoch-Schönlein Purpura: What's the DIF?

Immunoglobulin M detected by direct immunofluorescence in the purpura of HSP correlated with IgA levels and renal damage.

Henoch-Schönlein purpura (HSP) is a systemic disease of the skin of the extensor surface of the lower limbs, the kidneys, and the gastrointestinal (GI) tract. Histology characteristically shows a leukocytoclastic vasculitis resulting from entrapment in blood vessels of circulating immunoglobulin A (IgA)-containing immune complexes. These authors retrospectively reviewed clinical, laboratory, and direct immunofluorescence (DIF) findings in 25 Japanese adults (mean age, 20) with HSP.

Classical palpable purpura in the legs without evidence of connective tissue disease, biopsy-proven leukocytoclastic vasculitis, and DIF evidence of IgA deposition were required for inclusion in the study. Nearly half of the patients presented with arthralgias, pu…

Reviewing Author

Angelica Selim, MD

Disclosures

Grant / Research support NIH/NCI, The Plastic Surgery Foundation

Angelica Selim, MD

Disclosures

Grant / Research support NIH/NCI, The Plastic Surgery Foundation