Derek Grace v. HHS - Influenza, IgA vasculitis or Henoch-Schonlein purpura (2024)
Case summary [AI summaries can sometimes make mistakes]
On May 29, 2018, Derek Grace filed a petition alleging that an influenza vaccination administered on November 9, 2016 caused IgA vasculitis, also known as Henoch-Schonlein purpura. He was 48 years old when vaccinated.
Within hours, he developed a rash, followed by joint, muscle, and abdominal pain. He was hospitalized and treated with prednisone.
Because IgA vasculitis is not a Table injury for influenza vaccine, Mr. Grace had to prove causation in fact.
His expert, rheumatologist Dr. Lindsay Lally, proposed that the vaccine triggered bystander activation and overproduction of IgA, leading to vasculitis.
Respondent's expert, immunologist Dr. Mehrdad Matloubian, challenged the theory, the timing, and the scientific evidence connecting influenza vaccine to IgA vasculitis.
The record also included discussion of Mr. Grace's psoriasis and treatment with adalimumab/Humira, although respondent's expert did not identify a definitive alternative cause.
Special Master Daniel T. Horner concluded that Mr.
Grace had not met the Althen standard. He found the proposed mechanism insufficiently supported, the temporal relationship problematic, and the treating records lacking an attribution to vaccination.
The petition was dismissed for insufficient proof on May 28, 2024, and no compensation was awarded.
Theory of causation
Influenza vaccine on November 9, 2016, age 48, alleged IgA vasculitis/Henoch-Schonlein purpura with rash within hours followed by joint, muscle, and abdominal pain. DISMISSED/DENIED entitlement. Petitioner relied on rheumatologist Dr. Lindsay Lally, who proposed bystander activation/IgA overproduction triggered by vaccination. Respondent relied on immunologist Dr. Mehrdad Matloubian, who disputed scientific support, timing, and vaccine link; psoriasis and Humira were discussed as possible alternative context. Special Master Daniel T. Horner found petitioner failed Althen prongs one and three and that treating physicians did not attribute the condition to vaccine. Decision May 28, 2024. Attorney: Diana Stadelnikas, Maglio Christopher & Toale.
Source PDFs
USCOURTS-cofc-1_18-vv-00757