Henoch-Schonlein purpura
Alternative Names
Anaphylactoid purpura; Vascular purpura; Leukocytoclastic vasculitis
Definition
Henoch-Schonlein purpura is a disease that involves purple spots on the skin, joint pain, gastrointestinal problems, and glomerulonephritis (a type of kidney disorder).
Causes
Henoch-Schonlein is caused by an abnormal response of the immune system. It is unclear why this occurs.
The syndrome is mostly seen in children, but it may affect people of any age. It is more common in boys than in girls. Many people who develop this disease had an upper respiratory infection in the weeks before.
Symptoms
- Abdominal pain
- Joint pain
- Purple spots on the skin (purpura), usually over the buttocks, lower legs, and elbows
- Bloody diarrhea
- Hives or angioedema
- Nausea
- Diarrhea
- Painful menstruation
- Vomiting
Exams and Tests
The doctor will look at your body and look at your skin. The physical exam will show skin sores (purpura, lesions) and joint tenderness.
Tests may include:
Treatment
There is no specific treatment. Most cases go away on their own. If symptoms do not go away, your doctor may prescribe corticosteroid medicine such as prednisone.
Outlook (Prognosis)
The disease usually gets better on its own.
Possible Complications
- Bleeding inside the body
- Kidney problems (in rare cases)
When to Contact a Medical Professional
Call your health care provider if:
- You develop symptoms of Henoch-Schonlein purpura, particularly if they last for more than a few days
- You have low urine output after an episode of Henoch-Schonlein purpura
References
Ardoin SP, Fels E. Vasculitis syndromes. In: Kliegman RM, Behrman RE, Jenson HB, Stanton BF, eds. Nelson Textbook of Pediatrics. 19th ed. Philadelphia, Pa: Saunders Elsevier; 2011:chap 161.