Factor XIII (fibrin stabilising factor) in Henoch-Schönlein's purpura.

In 13 out of 17 consecutive children with Henoch-Schönlein's purpura the factor XIII determined with the dansyl cadaverine method was found to be decreased during the acute phase. The decrease is assumed to be due to a specific degradation by proteolytic enzymes liberated from inflammatory cells, with defective local haemostasis as a result. This assumption is strengthened by the observation that treatment with factor XIII combined with an antifibrinolytic drug controlled life-threatening gastro-intestinal bleeding in one of the patients. It would therefore appear that such treatment might offer a new possibility of controlling severe haemorrhages in Henoch-Schönlein's purpura.