ANAPHYLACTOID PURPURA - STREPTOCOCCAL ANTIBODY TITERS AND BETA 1C-GLOBULIN LEVELS

Evidence for antecedent group A streptococcal infection was sought in 33 patients with anaphylactoid purpura. Serum levels of β1c-globulin were determined. Histologic and immunofluorescent studies were performed on 13 kidney biopsies obtained from patients with anaphylactoid nephritis. Elevated titers for the ASO, anti-DNase B, or anti-NADase were present in about one third of the patient population. The incidence of elevated titers as well as the geometric means of the antibody titers for either the whole group of patients with anaphylactoid purpura or the group of patients with anaphylactoid nephritis were not significantly different from the matched normal control population. β1c-globulin levels were in the normal range. Renal biopsies showed histologic changes and immunofluorescent reactions to γ-globulin, β1c, and fibrin of varying degrees of severity and intensity. The data obtained do not support a causal relationship between group A streptococcal infection and anaphylactoid purpura. © 1969 The C. V. Mosby Company.