Henoch-Schonlein purpura

Alternative Names: Anaphylactoid purpura; Vascular purpura

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 of Henoch-Schonlein purpura

Henoch-Schonlein is caused by an abnormal response of the immune system. It is unclear why this occurs.

The syndrome is usually seen in children, but it may affect people of any age. It is more common in boys than in girls. Many people with Henoch-Schonlein purpura had an upper respiratory illness in the weeks before.

Henoch-Schonlein purpura Symptoms

• Abdominal pain
• Joint pain
• Purple spots on the skin (purpura), usually over the buttocks, lower legs, and elbows
• Bloody stools
• Hives or angioedema
• Nausea
• Diarrhea
• Painful menstruation
• Vomiting

Tests and Exams

The doctor will examine your body and look at your skin. The physical exam will reveal skin sores (lesions) and joint tenderness.

Tests may include:

• Skin biopsy
• Urinalysis

Treatment of Henoch-Schonlein purpura

There is no specific treatment. Most cases go away on their own without treatment. If symptoms persist, your doctor may recommend therapy with corticosteroids such as prednisone.

Prognosis (Outlook)

The disease usually gets better on its own without treatment.

Potential Complications

• Bleeding inside the body
• Kidney problems (in rare cases)

When to Contact a Health Professional

Call for an appointment with 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

Miller ML, Pachman LM. Vasculitis syndromes. In: Kliegman RM, Behrman RE, Jenson HB, Stanton BF, eds. Nelson Textbook of Pediatrics. 18th ed. Philadelphia, Pa: Saunders Elsevier; 2007: chap 166.

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

Review Date: 6/20/2011
Reviewed By: Neil J. Gonter, MD, Assistant Professor of Medicine, Columbia University, NY and private practice specializing in Rheumatology at Rheumatology Associates of North Jersey, Teaneck, NJ. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, A.D.A.M., Inc.

_{Do not use this information for medical emergencies - Call 911. This information should not be used for the diagnosis or treatment of any medical condition. A licensed medical practitioner should always be consulted for diagnosis and treatment of any and all medical conditions. Links to other websites do not constitute endorsements and are provided for information only. Any duplication or distribution of this information is strictly prohibited.
Copyright 2011 A.D.A.M., Inc.}