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Henoch-Schonlein purpura on an infant's legs
Henoch-Schonlein purpura on an infant's legs
Henoch-Schonlein purpura on an infant's legs
Henoch-Schonlein purpura on an infant's legs
Henoch-Schonlein purpura on the legs
Henoch-Schonlein purpura on the legs

Henoch-Schonlein purpura
Definition:
A group of conditions including purpura (purple spots on the skin), joint pain, gastrointestinal symptoms, and glomerulonephritis (a type of kidney disorder).

Alternative Names:
Anaphylactoid purpura; Vascular purpura

Causes, incidence, and risk factors:
Henoch-Schonlein is a type of hypersensitivity vasculitis and inflammatory response within the blood vessel. It is caused by an abnormal response of the immune system. The exact cause for this disorder is unknown. The syndrome is usually seen in children, but people of any age may be affected. It is more common in boys than in girls.
Symptoms:
Signs and tests:
A physical examination reveals skin lesions and joint tenderness.
Treatment:
There is no specific treatment for this disorder. Most cases resolve spontaneously without treatment. If symptoms persist, therapy with corticosteroids such as prednisone is usually tried.
Expectations (prognosis):
The disease usually resolves spontaneously without treatment.
Complications:
  • recurrence of symptoms
  • renal impairment (may occur in rare cases)
Calling your health care provider:
Call for an appointment with your health care provider if symptoms of Henoch-Scholnlein purpura develop, particularly if they last for more than a few days.

Call your health care provider if decreased urine output develops after an episode of Henoch-Schonlein purpura.
Review Date: 11/27/2001
Reviewed By: Birgit Kovacs, M.D., Division of Rheumatology, University of Pennsylvania Medical Center, Philadelphia, PA. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.
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