Question 1

What is IgA Vasculitis?

Accepted Answer

IgA vasculitis, formerly known as Henoch-Schonlein purpura, is an inflammatory disorder that affects small blood vessels throughout the body, causing them to leak and become inflamed. It is caused by immunoglobulin A (IgA) antibodies depositing in the walls of small blood vessels, triggering an immune-mediated inflammatory response. The IgA blood test is the most important test for diagnosis because it measures the levels of IgA antibodies that accumulate in blood vessels and cause the characteristic symptoms of this condition.

Question 2

What causes IgA vasculitis?

Accepted Answer

IgA vasculitis is caused by immunoglobulin A (IgA) antibodies abnormally depositing in the walls of small blood vessels throughout the body. When IgA accumulates in vessel walls, it triggers an inflammatory immune response that damages the vessels, causing them to leak blood and fluid into surrounding tissues. This leads to the characteristic purple rash (purpura), joint pain, abdominal symptoms, and potential kidney involvement. While the exact trigger for this abnormal IgA response is not fully understood, it often follows respiratory infections, certain medications, or other immune system challenges.

Question 3

What is the best test for IgA vasculitis?

Accepted Answer

The IgA blood test is the most important test for IgA vasculitis because it directly measures the levels of immunoglobulin A antibodies that accumulate in small blood vessels and cause inflammation. Elevated IgA levels support the diagnosis and help healthcare providers monitor disease activity and treatment response. While IgA vasculitis is primarily diagnosed through clinical examination and the characteristic purple rash, the IgA test provides crucial information about immune system activity. Additional blood tests may include complete blood count, kidney function tests, and urinalysis to assess complications, but the IgA measurement remains the key laboratory marker for this condition.

Question 4

When should I get tested for IgA vasculitis?

Accepted Answer

You should get tested if you develop a purple or red rash on your legs, buttocks, or arms that does not fade when pressed, especially if accompanied by joint pain or swelling. Testing is also recommended if you experience abdominal pain, bloody stools, or notice blood or protein in your urine, particularly after a recent respiratory infection. Children between ages 2 and 11 who develop these symptoms should be evaluated promptly, as this age group is most commonly affected. Early testing helps identify kidney involvement and guides appropriate treatment to prevent complications.

Question 5

What are the symptoms of IgA vasculitis?

Accepted Answer

IgA vasculitis presents with a distinctive purple or red rash called purpura that typically appears on the lower legs, buttocks, and arms. Joint pain and swelling commonly affect the knees and ankles, making walking difficult. Abdominal symptoms include cramping pain, nausea, vomiting, and sometimes bloody stools due to inflammation in the intestinal blood vessels. Kidney involvement may cause blood or protein in the urine, though this often occurs without noticeable symptoms. Some people also experience fever, headache, and general fatigue as the immune system responds to the inflammation.

Question 6

Who is at risk for IgA vasculitis?

Accepted Answer

Children between ages 2 and 11 are at highest risk for IgA vasculitis, with boys affected slightly more often than girls. The condition frequently develops after upper respiratory tract infections, strep throat, or other viral illnesses that trigger an immune response. Certain medications, food allergens, insect bites, and cold weather exposure can also increase risk in susceptible individuals. While less common, adults can develop IgA vasculitis, and when they do, they often experience more severe kidney complications. People with a family history of the condition may have a slightly elevated risk.

Question 7

What happens if IgA vasculitis is left untreated?

Accepted Answer

If IgA vasculitis is left untreated, kidney damage can develop and progress to chronic kidney disease or kidney failure, requiring dialysis or transplantation. Severe gastrointestinal complications may include intestinal bleeding, bowel obstruction, or intussusception where the intestine folds into itself. Persistent joint inflammation can lead to reduced mobility and chronic pain. While many mild cases resolve on their own, untreated cases with kidney involvement can cause permanent damage. Long-term kidney monitoring is essential even after symptoms improve, as kidney problems can develop months or years after the initial illness.

Question 8

Can IgA vasculitis be diagnosed with a blood test?

Accepted Answer

IgA vasculitis can be supported by blood tests, but diagnosis relies primarily on clinical examination and the characteristic purple rash pattern. The IgA blood test measures immunoglobulin A levels, which may be elevated in active disease and help confirm the diagnosis. Additional blood work including complete blood count, kidney function tests, and inflammatory markers provides information about disease severity and complications. Urinalysis is essential to detect kidney involvement through blood or protein in the urine. In some cases, a skin or kidney biopsy showing IgA deposits in small blood vessels provides definitive confirmation.

Question 9

How is IgA vasculitis treated?

Accepted Answer

IgA vasculitis treatment focuses on managing symptoms and preventing complications, as many cases resolve on their own within weeks to months. Over-the-counter pain relievers help control joint pain and discomfort, while rest reduces strain on affected joints. Corticosteroids like prednisone may be prescribed for severe abdominal pain, significant kidney involvement, or other serious complications. Immunosuppressive medications are occasionally needed for severe kidney disease that does not respond to corticosteroids. Close monitoring with regular urine tests and blood pressure checks ensures early detection of kidney problems, which require more aggressive treatment.

Question 10

How can I prevent IgA vasculitis?

Accepted Answer

IgA vasculitis cannot be completely prevented because the exact triggers that cause the immune system to produce abnormal IgA deposits are not fully understood. However, you can reduce risk by promptly treating respiratory infections and strep throat with appropriate antibiotics when prescribed. Maintaining good hand hygiene and avoiding close contact with people who have respiratory infections helps prevent the infections that often precede IgA vasculitis. For individuals with a history of the condition, avoiding known triggers such as certain medications or allergens may help prevent recurrence. Regular follow-up care ensures any kidney complications are detected early.

Question 11

What can I do at home for IgA vasculitis?

Accepted Answer

At home, rest and elevate affected limbs to reduce swelling and discomfort from the rash and joint inflammation. Apply cool compresses to areas with purpura to soothe skin irritation, but avoid hot baths or heating pads that could worsen inflammation. Stay well-hydrated and maintain a balanced diet to support kidney function and overall healing. Monitor your symptoms closely, checking urine for blood or dark color and watching for worsening abdominal pain or joint swelling. Keep a symptom diary to share with your healthcare provider, and avoid medications like aspirin or ibuprofen unless specifically recommended, as they can increase bleeding risk.

Question 12

How’s this work?

Accepted Answer

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Question 13

How do I know which test to get?

Accepted Answer

In the test options, find the test you want.
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Question 14

When will my lab results be available?

Accepted Answer

Most test results will be available within 1–3 business days. Once they're ready, we'll send an email and text message to let you know.
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Question 15

Is it possible to make changes to my lab order if I made a mistake with the name, date of birth, or any other details?

Accepted Answer

Absolutely! We totally understand that errors can happen. No worries, we're here to help you.
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Question 16

Do you accept health insurance?

Accepted Answer

Only HSA & FSA is accepted.
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Question 17

Can I cancel my order?

Accepted Answer

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Question 18

How can I find a lab location near me?

Accepted Answer

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IgA Vasculitis Blood Test

What is IgA Vasculitis?

What causes IgA vasculitis?

What is the best test for IgA vasculitis?

When should I get tested for IgA vasculitis?

References

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