Henoch Schonlein Purpura is a type of vasculitis or blood vessel inflamation. This disease affects capillaries (small arterial vessels) in the skin and often the kidneys. Henoch-Schonlein purpura (HSP) causes skin rash (especially behind the lower extremities associated with arthritis and over the buttocks) and cramping pain in the abdominal area.

HSP appears more frequently in the spring and often follows with breathing passages or throat infection. This disease seems to represent an unusual reaction of the body’s immune system that is in response to this infection (virus or bacteria). Henoch-Schonlein purpura most often occurs in children, but individuals of all ages may be affected.

Symptomp of HSP may include joint inflammation (artritis), abdominal pain and skin rash. Individuals with this disease may develop a fever. The joints often are affected with swelling and pain in the knees and ankles. Inflammation of the blood vessels in the kidneys may cause protein or blood in the urine. In rare cases, kidney complications may occur. These symptoms may last about a month and recurrences are not common, but may happen.

HSP is considered to be a mild illness, but sometimes it may cause serious complications of bowels or kidneys. The rash may be extremely prominent, mostly in the lower extremities.

The treatment of Henoch-Schonlein Purpura includes such medications as Ibuprofen or Aspirin to relieve inflammations; Prednisone for kidney disease relief or major abdominal pain. If more severe kidney disease occur, Cytoxan may be helpful to suppress immune system. If infection appears, antibiotics may be nessessary. The prognosis for individuals with this illness is usually excellent and almost all individuals have no long-term problems.

In rare cases people may have significant long-term kidney damage or bowel abnormal folding-intussusception. In very rare cases people may have recurrences of complications for a few years after the got ill with HSP. Current data shows that Henoch-Schonlein purpura disease in adults is usually more severe than in children. Adults may have more significant kidney involvement and may need more aggressive treatment.  However, generally outcome is very good for both – children and adults.

Related Videos

This entry was filed under Diseases and Conditions.

Tags: Henoch Schonlein Purpura, hsp virus