Health Encyclopedia

Henoch-Schonlein purpura

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).

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. 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 previous weeks.

Symptoms

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

Signs and tests

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

A urinalysis shows microscopic blood in the urine. A skin biopsy shows vasculitis.

Treatment

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.

Expectations (prognosis)

The disease usually resolves spontaneously without treatment.

Complications

Symptoms return
Kidney problems (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
If low urine output develops after an episode of Henoch-Schonlein purpura

Review Date:4/27/2007
Reviewed By:Steve Lee, DO, Rheumatology Fellow, Loma Linda University Medical Center, Loma Linda, CA. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.

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