laboratory assessment of autoimmune vasculitis

Kawasaki disease (KD) is an acute systemic vasculitis of unknown etiology that predominantly affects infants and young children. It is considered the most common cause of acquired heart disease in children in the United States. Diagnosis is based on clinical criteria. However, these criteria have low sensitivity and specificity and therefore, otherlaboratory features may be helpful in establishing the diagnosis.Wegener’s granulomatosis is a rare complex multisystem disease. Early diagnosis is essential to prevent potentially life threatening renal and pulmonary injury. The antineutrophil cytoplasmic antibody test (cANCA) are the most reliable diagnostic procedures for WG.MPA is more frequent than WG in Southern Europe and Japan. In fact, it is the most common vasculitic cause for the pulmonary-renal syndrome.Churg-Strauss syndrome is a rare diffuse vasculitis that is almost invariably accompanied by severe asthma. The cause of Churg-Strauss syndrome is unknown, but its characteristic histological findings and association with asthma distinguish it from other vasculitides. A clear diagnosis of Churg-Strauss syndrome might not be made until the abdominal viscera, heart, or nervous system become involved, which may be fatal in the latter two systems. The association of Churg-Strauss syndrome with antineutrophil cytoplasmic antibodies has facilitated diagnosis of this disease.Henoch-Schonlein purpura is the most common systemic vasculitis in children. Boys are affected more often than girls. About half of the cases of HSP are preceded by an upper respiratory infection. It has been suggested that group A beta-hemolytic streptococcus may be a trigger factorCryoglobulinemic vasculitis is considered to be a relatively rare disorder. The leading cause of death in MC is liver impairment, followed by cardiovascular disorders and renal insufficiency.Hypersensitivity vasculitis occurs equally in both sexes and at all ages. It is usually easily diagnosed by clinical and histologic features.