Abstract

AN OVERVIEW ON IMMUNOGLOBULIN A VASCULITIS IN CHILDREN

Lydia Mukanhaire, Hongjun Peng and Xiaohui Zhou*

ABSTRACT

Immunoglobulin A Vasculitis is a chronic inflammatory disease and is one of the most predominant types of systemic vasculitis in children. It is also known as Henoch-Schoenlein Purpura. This disease presents a rash (palpable purpura) that is symmetrically distributed in the lower limbs and may progress up to the buttocks. The European League of Rheumatism, the International Research Organization of Pediatric Rheumatology and the European Society of Pediatric Rheumatology are the consensus bases used in the diagnosis of Immunoglobulin A Vasculitis. The skin involvement can be accompanied by multiple organ involvement such as the kidneys, gut, and joints. Immunoglobulin A vasculitis can be a blinding and stigmatized condition because it is a self-limiting disease, however. Skin appearance can have a major psychological impact on daily life, especially for children. There is also a risk of developing end stage kidney disease in children who go on to develop nephritis. Although its etiology is unknown, it may be associated with genetics, autoimmunity, cytokines, genes, environment, and immunoglobulin A molecular abnormalities.

Keywords: Immunoglobulin A vasculitis, Children, Vasculitis, Henoch Schoenlein Purpura.