Increased levels of plasma D-dimer in the course of Henoch-Schönlein purpura.

Three cases of Henoch-Schönlein purpura (HSP) with elevated plasma D-dimer levels are described. In one case of acute course HSP we observed the beneficial influence of plasma and nadroparine treatment on the course of disease. In two cases plasma D-dimer increase did not correlate with severity of the disease. The possibility of coagulation disturbances in HSP with D-dimer rise (as well as decrease of plasma factor XIII and platelets described in relevant literature) should be taken into consideration. These results suggest presence of mild intravascular clotting process in course of the disease. However, we were not able to clarify the pathogenesis of the high D-dimer serum concentration in HSP. Thus, it is suggested that further research on the discussed condition should be conducted.