Vasculidities Flashcards
What causes small vessel vasculitis?
Small vessel vasculitis is caused by immune complexes.
List four examples of small vessel vasculitis.
Drug reactions, serum sickness, Henoch-Schonlein purpura (HSP), and granulomatosis with polyangiitis (GPA; formerly known as Wegener’s).
List two examples of medium vessel vasculitis.
Polyarteritis nodosa and Kawasaki disease.
What is the classic example of a large vessel vasculitis?
Takayasu arteritis
What is the most common vasculitis in childhood?
Henoch-Schonlein purpura is the most common vasculitis in childhood.
What is the typical age range for Henoch-Schonlein purpura?
The mean age at diagnosis is 4 years, and >75% of those affected are <7 years of age. The age range is typically 3-15 years, but it can be seen in older adolescents and adults as well.
What is the gender distribution for Henoch-Schonlein purpura?
HSP affects boys more frequently, with a 2:1 male:female ratio.
At what time of year is Henoch-Schonlein purpura more prevalent?
There are more cases of HSP in the winter and spring.
What immune molecule mediates HSP?
HSP is an immune-mediated leukocytoclastic vasculitis with neutrophil infiltration and deposition of primarily IgA in vessel walls, along with small amounts of IgG and Complement 3.
What is Henoch-Schonlein purpura?
HSP is an immune-mediated small vessel vasculitis of childhood that presents with purpura and involvement of multiple organ systems, including joints, the GI system, and the renal system most commonly.
What is a predisposing factor in 50% of HSP cases?
The specific cause of HSP is unknown, but in about 50% of cases, an upper respiratory tract infection precedes the onset of disease.
Describe the classic skin findings in patients with Henoch-Schonlein purpura.
Skin lesions are present in all HSP patients. The rash begins as small wheals or red maculopapules that progress to petechiae and palpable purpura. They are generally found in dependent, pressure-bearing areas such as the lower extremities and buttocks, but can be located in other places as well. The skin lesions last anywhere from 4 days to 4 weeks.
How common is joint involvement in patients diagnosed with Henoch-Schonlein purpura?
Joint involvement occurs in 50-80% of patients with HSP.
Describe the typical pattern of joint involvement in patients with Henoch-Schonlein purpura.
The arthritis/arthralgia is transient and mainly involves the large joints, particularly the knees and ankles. Joint effusions do not usually occur.
What is the most common musculoskeletal manifestation of Henoch-Schonlein purpura?
Periarthritis, with edema around the joints and inflammation involving the tendon sheaths.
What is the most typical GI manifestation in patients with Henoch-Schonlein purpura?
The most typical GI manifestation is abdominal pain that is colicky and sometimes involves vomiting.
How common are GI bleeds in patients with Henoch-Schonlein purpura?
Occult bleeding is common in those with abdominal pain, and melena can occur. Hematemesis can occur but is less typical. Major GI bleeds are uncommon.
What do you do if a child with HSP has persistent, severe, abdominal pain? What do you suspect as the etiology?
Perform an ultrasound to evaluate for intussusception, which can occur in 2-14% of patients.
What system are you concerned about for up to 6 months after diagnosis of HSP? What is the recommended course of action?
The renal system. Serial urinalyses should be performed for at least 3-6 months after HSP is diagnosed to monitor for renal involvement.
How do the renal manifestations of HSP usually present?
Renal manifestations are usually mild and transient. They appear as isolated microscopic hematuria or hematuria + proteinuria on urinalysis.
What causes the renal manifestations of HSP?
IgA deposition in the kidneys.
Which patients with HSP are at higher risk for development of permanent renal damage?
Children with purpura that lasts >1 month; children with severe, persistent GI symptoms; and children who have decreased Factor 13.
How does one make the diagnosis of Henoch-Schonlein purpura?
HSP is a clinical diagnosis without specific confirmatory lab tests. Look for the classic purpura in addition to renal, GI, and joint manifestations.
What is the typical management of HSP?
There is no specific therapy for HSP, and management is mostly supportive. Corticosteroids may be used for ulcerated skin lesions. NSAIDs may be used for pain control if kidney function isn’t a concern. Systemic corticosteroids are reserved for patients with severe abdominal pain or severe scrotal swelling/edema.
What is the typical duration of symptoms in patients with HSP?
HSP is a self-limited condition and lasts 4 weeks in about 65% of children.
How common are recurrences of HSP during the first two years?
HSP recurs in up to 40% of patients from 6 weeks to 2 years after initial presentation.
What is Granulomatosis with Polyangiitis?
GPA is very rare in children. It is characterized by necrotizing granulomatous vasculitis of small vessels involving the upper and lower respiratory tracts and kidneys (pulmonary-renal syndrome).
List 8 common symptoms in patients with granulomatosis with polyangiitis.
Fever, weight loss, arthralgia or migratory large joint arthritis, cough, nasal stuffiness, epistaxis, resistant ear infections, and persistent sinusitis.
What is the nasal deformity seen in granulomatosis with polyangiitis?
Saddle nose ***include image 20-5