Evaluation of oxidative stress and erythrocyte properties in children with Henoch-Shoenlein purpura

Objective: Pathogenesis of Henoch-Schönlein purpura (HSP) is not clearly defined. The present study was conducted to investigate the alterations in erythrocyte deformability and oxidative stress in HSP and to examine the possible relationship between erythrocyte deformability and organ involvement in this disease. Methods: Plasma malondialdehyde (MDA) levels, total antioxidant status (TAS), erythrocyte deformability and aggregation were measured in 21 children with HSP at the disease onset and during the remission period in comparison with healthy subjects. Findings: HSP patients at the active stage had significantly higher MDA and lower TAS levels (P0.05). Conclusion: The present findings emphasize the association between impaired erythrocyte deformability and organ involvement in HSP. © 2014 by Pediatrics Center of Excellence, Children's Medical Center, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, All rights reserved