Discordance Between Immune Deposits in Patients with IgA Cutaneous Vasculitis and IgA Nephropathy

Deposition of IgM in the skin, IgG in the kidney, and fibrinogen in the kidney were associated with increased risk for renal dysfunction.

Henoch-Schönlein purpura (HSP) is characterized by immunoglobulin (Ig) A deposition in cutaneous vessels. It is more prevalent in children. IgA-associated cutaneous vasculitis in adults has also been reported, although the exact definition in adults is controversial. HSP was initially defined as a tetrad of palpable purpura, arthritis, nephritis, and gastrointestinal vasculitis. It was not until nearly a century after it was first described that IgA was found to be the predominant immunoglobulin in the vessels. Some patients with IgA cutaneous vasculitis also have nephropathy. These researchers compared direct immunofluorescence (DIF) findings in skin and kidney specimens and looked for associations with progression to renal disease.

They re…

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)