Circulating Immune Complexes in Henoch-Schonlein Purpura

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Abstract
Henoch-Schonlein purpura (HSP) is a symptom complex which may involve the skin, joints, gastrointestinal tract, and kidney. Skin involvement occurs in more than 50% of the patients and may appear as erythematous purpuric macules or papules. The skin lesions show histologic features of leukocytoclastic vasculitis. Deposits of immunoglobulin and complement may be present in the involved vessel walls. A case of HSP is described where high levels of circulating immune complexes were found. This further suggests the possible involvement of immune complexes in the pathogenesis of HSP.