The Evaluation of Immun Deposits on Skin of the Patients with Henoch-Schönlein Purpura

Ilknur Girisgen, Ferah Sonmez, Canten Tataroglu

Abstract
Objectives: HSP is a leucocytoclastic form of vasculitis and immunfluorescence staining reveals the presence of dominantly IgA, besides C3, fibrin/fibrinogen in vessels and perivascular IgG or/and IgM deposition. The aim of this study was to investigate the correlation between immune deposits on dermis and clinical findings in children with HSP.
Methods: The children who were diagnosed as HSP were included to the study. The EULAR/PReS endorsed consensus criteria for HSP proposed by Ozen et al. was used for the diagnosis of HSP. The signs and symptoms of patients were evaluated and frequency of skin, joint, gastrointestinal and renal manifestations were determined. All cases were submitted to punch skin biopsy to verify the diagnosis of HSP by eliminating other forms of immune complex mediated small vessel vasculitides. Sections were stained with fluorescent antihuman immunoglobulin IgA, IgM, IgG, fibrin/fibrinogen and complement C3 component.
Results: The relationship between immune deposits as C3, IgM, IgG and fibrin and the characteristics of systemic involvement was investigated. No significant relationship was found between immune deposits on skin and systemic involvement.
Conclusion: C3, fibrinogen/fibrin deposition in vessels and IgM or and IgG deposition in derma were not found as prognostic and pathogonomic factors for HSP in children.

Key words: Henoch-Schönlein Purpura, skin biopsy, immune deposition, prognostic factors, clinical findings.