The primary objective of this study is to search for evidence of quantitative or functional defects in plasma regulatory T cells (Tregs) in pediatric patients with Henoch Schönlein Purpura (HSP) as compared to a control population.
The secondary questions/objectives for this study are: A. During an inflammatory HSP flare, is there a quantitative and / or qualitative defect in plasma Tregs? Are such blood anomalies real or are they due to a modification of the distribution of theses cells to localized sites? B. In the asymptomatic phase, are there quantitative or functional abnormalities among Tregs in subjects with HSP compared to healthy control subjects? C. Are Treg abnormalities associated with modifications in other blood cell lineages, including B cells secreting IgA and abnormally glycosylated IgA1, and secretion of cytokines during acute relapses and during the asymptomatic phase? D. Can streptococcus or other oral or digestive pathogens (bacterial or viral) (as suggested in other chronic diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis ) provoke (via stimulation Th3) isotype commutation towards secretion of IgA1 at the origin of HSP? Does HSP intestinal damage or imbalance of the intestinal microbiota allow the translocation of intestinal microorganisms that sustain this stimulation?
Study Type
OBSERVATIONAL
Enrollment
100
Compared to routine practice, 3 additional tubes of blood will be drawn for the observational needs of this study.
Stool samples will be collected for the observational needs of this study (and are not part of routine practice).
CHRU de Montpellier - Hôpital Lapeyronie
Montpellier, France
CHRU de Nîmes - Hôpital Universitaire Carémeau
Nîmes, France
Percentage of blood Tregs
Time frame: Day 0
Absolute Treg count
number / mm\^3
Time frame: Day 0
Presence / absence of functional abnormality of plasma Tregs
Time frame: Day 0
Numerical abnormalities in other blood cell lines
Time frame: Day 0
Serum cytokine levels
ng/ml
Time frame: Day 0
Serum IgA levels
mg/l
Time frame: Day 0
Presence/absence of bacterial translocation
Time frame: Day 0
Quantification of bacterial translocation
(10\^8 copies / µl)
Time frame: Day 0
Number of bacterial species detected in the intestinal microbiota
Time frame: Day 0
Distribution of bacteria taxa present in the intestine among 3 categories
Bacteroidetes, Firmicutes and Actinobacteria
Time frame: Day 0
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