Platelet function analysis in children with Schönlein-Henoch syndrome.

BACKGROUND: Schönlein-Henoch syndrome (SHS) or anaphylactic purpura in childhood is the result of pathologic and immunologic responses to different antigens. These antigens could induce the formation of immune complexes responsible for vasculitis and their precipitation on the endothelium of small blood vessels. Purpuric bruises, hematuria, hematemesis, melena, or hematochesis may suggest coagulation disturbances. Increasing bleeding tendency may suggest platelet function disturbance. To examine the qualitative function of platelets in children with SHS, we decided to analyze its aggregation function.

METHODS: Using the Born method of testing, we analyzed platelet aggregation in 24 children with SHS.

RESULTS: Based on the aggregograms examined, we observed that most patients had abnormal aggregation curves, in which platelets demonstrated a block of release of the endogenous ADP, with or without disaggregation.

CONCLUSIONS: One clinical symptom of SHS appearing in most patients is a mild or increased tendency toward bleeding. On measuring induced aggregation of platelets in children with SHS, we observed that the qualitative function of platelets was disturbed.