The most frequent childhood vasculitides
Harjacek, M.
Reumatizam 60(2): 30-34
2013
ISSN/ISBN: 0374-1338 PMID: 24979993 Document Number: 669787
Childhood vasculitis is a challenge for pediatric rheumatologists. It is multisystem in nature and often requires integrated care from multiple subspecialties, including rheumatology, dermatology, cardiology, nephrology, neurology, and gastroenterology. Vasculitis is defined as the presence of inflammation in the blood vessel wall. The site of vessel involvement, size of the affected vessels, extent of vascular injury, and underlying pathology determine the disease phenotype and severity. This article explores the classification and general features of pediatric vasculitides, with detailed analisys of the two most common vasculitides: Henoch-Schönlein purpura and Kawasaki disease.