Henoch

Definition

What is Henoch-Schonlein purpura (HSP)?

Henoch-Schonlein purpura (HSP) is a disease that causes inflammation and bleeding in the small blood vessels in the skin, joints, intestines and kidneys. The main symptom of this condition is a small bruise that can spread across the legs or buttocks.

Inflammation of the blood vessels, called vasculitis, can cause the blood vessels in the organs to leak, which can lead to a variety of symptoms.

How common is Henoch-Schonlein purpura (HSP)?

Henoch-Schonlein purpura (HSP) is the condition most common in children between the ages of 2 and 11. HSP is a disease that occurs more frequently in boys than girls.

However, Henoch-Schonlein purpura (HSP) is a condition that adults can experience as well. In this condition, adults are more likely to experience other serious illnesses.

Signs & symptoms

What are the signs and symptoms of Henoch-Schonlein purpura (HSP)?

Common symptoms of Henoch-Schonlein purpura (HSP) are:

Rash (purpura)

Red-purple patches, usually located on the back, buttocks, legs and hands, and upper thighs in young children or the ankles and lower legs in older children. This condition is a classic and universal sign of Henoch-Schonlein purpura.

Pain and swelling in the joints (arthritis)

People with HSP usually have inflammation of the joints accompanied by pain and swelling, especially in the knees and ankles. Joint pain sometimes precedes the rash by 1 or 2 days, but it goes away and doesn't cause chronic problems.

Gastrointestinal symptoms

Abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting, or blood in the stool can occur before the rash appears.

Kidney disorders

A little blood and protein can be found in the urine because the kidneys are affected.

There may be signs and symptoms not listed above. If you have concerns about a particular symptom, consult your doctor.

When should I see a doctor?

In some cases, Henoch-Schonlein purpura (HSP) is a condition that can cause serious problems with the intestines or kidneys. Tell your doctor right away if you or your child develop a rash associated with Henoch – Schönlein purpura.

Cause

What causes Henoch-Schonlein purpura (HSP)?

In Henoch-Schonlein purpura, several small blood vessels become inflamed, which can cause bleeding in the skin, joints, stomach, and kidneys.

It is not clear what causes inflammation to develop, but it can be the result of an abnormal immune system response in which the body's immune system attacks cells and organs.

Nearly 30% - 50% of cases of HSP occur after an upper respiratory infection, such as a cold for 10 days. Triggers can include chickenpox, strep throat, measles, and hepatitis.

Other triggers can include certain drugs, food, insect bites or exposure to cold air.

Risk factors

What increases my risk for Henoch-Schonlein purpura (HSP)?

Risk factors for Henoch-Schonlein purpura (HSP) are:

This condition generally affects children and young adults with the majority of children between the ages of 2 - 6 years.

Gender

Henoch-Schonlein purpura is slightly more common in boys than girls.

Race

White and Asian children are more prone to Henoch-Schonlein purpura than black children.

Season

Henoch-Schonlein purpura usually attacks in autumn, winter and spring, rarely in summer.

Some cases of HSP are related to vaccinations, such as typhoid, cholera, yellow fever, measles, or hepatitis B. Risk factors for this condition also include the type of food, drugs, chemicals, and insect bites.

Complications

What complications may occur when I have Henoch-Schonlein purpura (HSP)?

Usually, the symptoms of this condition improve within a month and won't cause long-term problems. However, the possibility of relapse is quite common.

Quoted from the Mayo Clinic, complications that may occur in HSP conditions are:

Kidney damage

The most serious complication of Henoch-Schonlein purpura is kidney damage. This risk lurks more adults than children. Sometimes, the damage is severe enough to require you to go through a dialysis procedure or a kidney transplant.

Bowel obstruction

On rare occasions, HPS is a condition that can result in intussusception, a condition in which a part of the intestine folds on itself, preventing something from moving through the intestine.

Diagnosis

How is Henoch-Schonlein purpura (HSP) diagnosed?

HSP is a condition that can be easily diagnosed when these symptoms appear. Your doctor may ask you to do tests to perform the procedure and confirm the diagnosis and determine its severity.

Laboratory test

While there is no single test that can confirm Henoch-Schonlein purpura, some tests that can help rule out other diseases and aid in the diagnosis of HSP are:

Blood test: people with HSP often have abnormal levels of certain antibodies in the blood.
Urine test: to see kidney function.

Biopsy

If symptoms are not clear, the doctor may order a skin or kidney biopsy. The doctor will ask for a skin sample to be examined in the laboratory. In cases of kidney problems, your doctor may order a kidney biopsy to determine the appropriate treatment.

Imaging test

Your doctor may recommend ultrasounds to eliminate other causes of stomach pain to check for possible complications, such as intestinal obstruction.

Treatment

The information provided is not a substitute for medical advice. ALWAYS consult your doctor.

How to treat Henoch-Schonlein purpura (HSP)?

HSP will go away on its own without treatment within a month. Some of the palliative treatments that doctors can recommend are:

Drugs

The use of strong corticosteroids, such as prednisone, to treat gastrointestinal symptoms or kidney disease is controversial, as they have side effects and their benefits are not clear.
Anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) can be used to relieve joint pain and swelling.
Pain relievers can also treat pain. Antibiotics can be given if there is an infection.