Fc-receptor function in Henoch-Schönlein disease of childhood.

The Fc-receptor function of circulating monocytes (CM) and/or of splenic macrophages (SM) was followed in eight children presenting with rheumatoid purpura. The Fc-receptor of CM and/or of SM was decreased in all cases during the acute phase of the disease without any correlation with the plasma values of C3, C4, C3PA or immune complexes. When a clinical improvement occurred, a reversal of the Fc-receptor blockade was noted. In contrast, the Fc-receptor function remained abnormal in three children with persistent nephritis. The sequential measurement of Fc-receptor function may be of predictive value in rheumatoid purpura of childhood.