Prognostic Factors in Leukocytoclastic Vasculitis

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Abstract
LEUKOCYTOCLASTIC vasculitis (LV) is a small-vessel inflammatory disease mediated by deposition of immune complexes. In its pathogenesis, neutrophils expressing appropriate adhesion molecules adhere to activated endothelial cells and infiltrate into vessel walls, with consequent release of lytic enzymes.1-6 Lesions are often limited to the skin, but other organs may be involved. The natural course of the cutaneous lesions is unpredictable.7-10 The diagnosis of LV includes a heterogeneous group of patients having different vasculitic syndromes, with multiple known causes and associated conditions.3,4,10-21 Risk factors to distinguish patients with a poor prognosis from those with a benign course have not been identified, and a rational therapy has not been standardized in this disorder.22,23