Acute Vascular (Schönlein-Henoch) Purpura — An Immunologic Disease?

Abstract
THIS paper deals with a study of 15 cases of acute vascular (Schönlein—Henoch) purpura seen on the wards of the Boston Floating Hospital during 1948 to 1951. In 1950–51, when most of our cases were studied, there appeared to be a definite increase in the incidence of this condition in the Boston area. We became impressed with the generalized character of the disease, and with the possibility that it was related to the group of collagen diseases, which include such conditions as disseminated lupus erythematosus, periarteritis nodosa and possibly acute glomerulonephritis and serum sickness as well. Skin biopsies were performed . . .