Hypersensitivity vasculitis
Natural Standard Bottom Line Monograph, Copyright © 2009 (www.naturalstandard.com). Commercial distribution prohibited. This monograph is intended for informational purposes only, and should not be interpreted as specific medical advice. You should consult with a qualified healthcare provider before making decisions about therapies and/or health conditions.
|
|
|
If you have a Natural Standard subscription, login to view the full monograph below:
Related Terms:
|
Allergic, allergic reaction, allergic vasculitis, allergy, antibodies, arthritis, blood vessels, Churg-Strauss syndrome, cutaneous leukocytoclastic vasculitis, drug-induced vasculitis, ESR, HIV, HV, hypersensitive, hypersensitivity, immune disorder, inflamed blood vessels, inflamed vessels, inflammation, kidney damage, kidney failure, leukocyte, leukocytoclastic, lupus, lupus erythematosus, neutrophils, polyarteritis nodosa, purpuric eruptions, rheumatoid arthritis, rheumatology, Sjögren's syndrome, skin biopsy, small-vessel vasculitis, systemic, vasculitis, Wegener granulomatosis, white blood cells. |
 | |
|
|
Hypersensitivity vasculitis, also known as leukocytoclastic vasculitis (LCV), is a hypersensitivity reaction to a drug or foreign agent that causes inflammation and damage to blood vessels. The condition occurs when the body produces antibodies against a foreign substance, which is usually a drug. Complexes of these antibodies are then deposited in the blood vessel walls, which causes symptoms such as fever, rash and arthritis to appear. |
|
|
The condition may be localized to the skin or it may progress to one or more organs in the body. The internal organs most commonly affected by LCV include the gastrointestinal tract and the kidneys. The joints are also commonly affected. |
|
|
The disorder may be acute (lasting only a few weeks) or chronic (causing recurrent purpuric eruptions). Most patients will recover completely within a couple of weeks if the disease only affects the skin and does not manifest in the organs. While most patients do not require treatment, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) and immunosuppressants may be prescribed. In severe cases, treatment with corticosteroids may be necessary. |
|
|
The incidence of LCV in the United States is unknown, but it is considered a rare condition. |
|
|
Content available for subscribers only.
|
| |
|
|
Content available for subscribers only.
|
|
|
Content available for subscribers only.
|
|
|
Content available for subscribers only.
|
|
|
Content available for subscribers only.
|
|
|
Content available for subscribers only.
|
|
|
Content available for subscribers only.
|
|
|
Content available for subscribers only.
|
|
|
Content available for subscribers only.
|
 |
Natural Standard Monograph
(www.naturalstandard.com)
Copyright © 2009 Natural Standard Inc. Commercial distribution or
reproduction prohibited.
|
|
The information in this monograph is intended for informational purposes
only, and is meant to help users better understand health concerns.
Information is based on review of scientific research data, historical
practice patterns, and clinical experience. This information should not be
interpreted as specific medical advice. Users should consult with a
qualified healthcare provider for specific questions regarding therapies,
diagnosis and/or health conditions, prior to making therapeutic decisions.
|
|