Ultrasound and Biochemical Indices of Endothelial Dysfunction at Hemorrhagic Vasculitis in Children

Abstract

60 children with hemorrhagic vasculitis were examined in order to detect ultrasound and biochemical markers of endothelial dysfunction, depending on the degree of acti­vity and the form. Serum monocyte chemoattractant protein 1 (MCP-1) concentration was determined using enzyme-linked immunoassay, the content of nitric oxide by its stable metabolites — NO2, NO3 and S-nitrosothiol, von Willebrand factor — using aggregometry, intima-media complex thickness of the common carotid artery and endothelium-dependent dilation of the brachial artery were evaluated. Levels of von Willebrand factor and MCP-1 significantly increased, depending on the degree of hemorrhagic vasculitis activity. Statistical data show a significant decrease in the concentration of nitric oxide metabolites in the blood serum of children with mixed form and nephritic syndrome. Intima-media complex thickness of the common carotid artery was increased in children with severe hemorrhagic vasculitis, and in children with a mixed form with renal syndrome. We have detected a pathological reaction of endothelium-dependent dilation of the brachial artery regardless of the degree of activity and the form of hemorrhagic vasculitis, this fact evidences direct involvement of the endothelium in the pathological process.

Keywords

• children
• hemorrhagic vasculitis
• endothelial dysfunction