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Systemic vasculitis in childhood

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Abstract

Systemic vasculitis is a group of disorders with multiorgan involvement. These disorders have diverse clinical manifestations associated with significant morbidity and mortality. The most common vasculitides in children—Henoch-Schönlein purpura and Kawasaki disease—are self-limiting conditions. The lifelong and chronic vasculitides (eg, giant cell arteritis, Wegener’s granulomatosis, microscopic polyangiitis, Churg-Strauss syndrome, polyarteritis nodosa, and Takayasu arteritis) are rarely seen in children. Therefore, the outcome in general is more favorable in children. This article offers an overview of the epidemiologic, etiologic, pathophysiologic, and clinical features of vasculitis in children, with emphasis on common conditions.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Pediatrics, Louisiana State University Health Sciences Center, Children’s Hospital, 200 Henry Clay Avenue, New Orleans, LA, 70118, USA

    Abraham Gedalia

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  1. Abraham Gedalia
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  2. Raquel Cuchacovich
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Correspondence to Abraham Gedalia.

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Gedalia, A., Cuchacovich, R. Systemic vasculitis in childhood. Curr Rheumatol Rep 11, 402–409 (2009). https://doi.org/10.1007/s11926-009-0059-4

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