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Childhood Vasculitis

Inflammation of vessel walls leads to involvement of various systems.

Written by: Saygı Hospital Health Guide Editorial Board
Last updated:

This content has been compiled by the Saygı Hospital Health Guide Editorial Board and is periodically reviewed by a specialist physician.

References (5)

This content is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. You can book an appointment at our Çocuk Sağlığı ve Hastalıkları department. Book Appointment →

What is Childhood Vasculitis?

Primary childhood vasculitides are classified by vessel size: large vessel (Takayasu arteritis), medium vessel (Kawasaki, polyarteritis nodosa), small vessel (HSP, ANCA-associated vasculitis, hypocomplementemic urticarial vasculitis).

Clinical findings vary according to the involved vessel area: purpura and ulcer in skin, pain in muscles, arthritis in joints, glomerulonephritis in kidneys, hemorrhage in lungs, mononeuritis multiplex in nervous system.

Diagnosis is made by clinical, laboratory (CRP, ANCA, complements), imaging, and biopsy. Treatment is systemic corticosteroids, immunosuppressive drugs, and biologic agents. Mortality and morbidity depend on involvement.

Symptoms

Palpable purpura and ulceration
Arthritis and arthralgia
Constitutional symptoms (fever, weight loss, fatigue)
Muscle pain and weakness
Glomerulonephritis (hematuria, proteinuria)
Neurological findings

Risk Factors

Infections (postinfectious)
Family history of autoimmune disease
Drug exposure
Environmental triggers
Genetic predisposition
Connective tissue disease

When to See a Doctor?

If you experience any of the following symptoms, seek medical attention promptly:

  • When palpable purpura and skin lesions occur
  • Prolonged fever and constitutional symptoms
  • When multi-system involvement is suspected
  • When hematuria and proteinuria are detected
  • Neurological or pulmonary findings

Treatment Methods

01
Systemic corticosteroids (first line)
02
Immunosuppressives: methotrexate, azathioprine, cyclophosphamide
03
Biologic agents: rituximab, tocilizumab
04
IVIG (in selected cases)
05
Multidisciplinary approach
06
Long-term follow-up and complication management

Which Department to Visit?

You can visit our Çocuk Sağlığı ve Hastalıkları department for these complaints. Our specialist physicians will create the most suitable treatment plan for you.

Learn About Çocuk Sağlığı ve Hastalıkları Department

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You can make an appointment with our specialists or contact us for your concerns.

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Health Disclaimer: The information on this page is prepared for general informational purposes only. It does not replace medical diagnosis and treatment. Please consult your physician for your complaints. Saygı Hospital does not accept responsibility for actions taken based on the information on this page.