Henoch–Schönlein purpura

Abstract 

Henoch–Schönlein purpura (HSP) is the most common vasculitis of childhood with an incidence of 14–18/100 000 children per year. It predominantly affects the skin, joints, gastrointestinal tract and the kidneys but it is the renal disease which is most likely to be responsible for long-term morbidity. Treatment of HSP, particularly the nephritis, remains controversial but there is some evidence that suggests that intensive therapy may benefit those with severe disease. There is also some evidence to suggest that steroids may prevent the development of renal disease. Those with established renal disease have the potential for long-term deterioration and all of these patients warrant long-term follow-up even if the initial disease is mild.

Keywords: Henoch–Schönlein pupura, nephritis, prednisolone, steroids, IgA1

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• f1 Correspondence to: EJT. Tel.: +44-117-342-8881; E-mail: jane.tizard@ubht.swest.nhs.uk