Definition:
Henoch-Schonlein purpura (HSP or anaphylactoid purpura) is a kind of blood vessel inflammation or vasculitis.
Diagnosis:
HSP is often diagnosed based on the typical skin, joint, and kidney findings. Throat culture, urinalysis, blood tests for inflammation and kidney function are used to arrive at the diagnosis. Biopsy of skin, and less often kidneys, can be used to demonstrate vasculitis.
Treatment:
The treatment of HSP is targeted toward the most significant area of involvement. Joint pain can be relieved by antiinflammatory medications, like aspirin or ibuprofen (Motrin). Some patients can require cortisone medications, like prednisone, especially those with significant abdominal pain or kidney disease. With more severe kidney disease, cyclophosphamide (Cytoxan) has been used to hinder the immune system. Infection, if present, can need antibiotics.
Symptoms and Signs:
Typically, HSP causes skin rash, pain in the abdomen, and joint inflammation (arthritis). Not all features need be present to arrive at a diagnosis. The rash of skin lesions occurs in gravity-dependent areas, such as the legs. The joints most commonly affected with pain and swelling are the ankles and the knees. Patients with HSP can experience fever. Inflammation of the blood vessels in the kidneys can lead to blood and/or protein in the urine. Serious kidney complications are infrequent but can arise.
Causes:
HSP occurs most frequently in the spring and frequently follows an infection of the throat or breathing passages.
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