Symptoms and immunology of the Henoch-Schönlein-syndrome

The Henoch-Schönlein-syndrome, or anaphylactoid purpura, is usually a childhood disease. The progess of this syndrome in adults was observed in 4 cases at our clinic. An elevated IgA level in the serum with a normal complement value seems to be of immunological interest. By immunohistological methods fibrin and IgA could be demonstrated in skin and kidney biopsies; in glomerulae C3c was observed, occasionally accompanied by Properdin-factor-B. These findings differentiate this disease from other allergic superficial vasculitids by the detection of IgG and complement; while at the same time some similarities are indicated to the so called "Berger Nephritis" with comparable kidney findings.