Henoch-Schonlein purpura

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Definition

By Mayo Clinic staff

Henoch-Schonlein purpura is a type of vasculitis, a group of disorders that cause blood vessel inflammation. In Henoch-Schonlein purpura, this inflammation causes bleeding in the small blood vessels (capillaries) in your skin, joints, intestines and kidneys. The main symptom is a purplish rash, mainly on the lower legs and buttocks. Henoch-Schonlein purpura also often causes abdominal pain and aching joints, and in some people, kidney problems.

Although Henoch-Schonlein purpura can affect anyone, it's most common in children and young adults. Henoch-Schonlein purpura usually improves on its own, but if your child's kidneys are affected he or she will need medical care as well as long-term follow-up to prevent more serious problems.

Symptoms
References
  1. Kraft DM, et al. Henoch-Schonlein purpura: A review. American Academy of Family Physicians. http://www.aafp.org/afp/980800ap/kraft.html. Accessed Aug. 10, 2008.
  2. Dedeoglu F, et al. Management of Henoch-Schonlein purpura. http://www.uptodate.com/home/index.html. Accessed Aug. 10, 2008.
  3. Dedeoglu F, et al. Clinical manifestations and diagnosis of Henoch-Schonlein purpura. http://www.uptodate.com/home/index.html. Aug. 17, 2008.
  4. Gibson KL, et al. Corticosteroid therapy for Henoch-Schonlein purpura. Pediatrics. 2008;121(4):870-871.
  5. Henoch-Schonlein purpura. Vasculitis Foundation. http://www.vasculitisfoundation.org/HenochSchonleinpurpura. Accessed Aug. 10, 2008.
  6. Weiss PF, et al. Effects of corticosteroid on Henoch-Schonlein purpura: A systematic review. Pediatrics. 2007;120(5):1079-1087.
  7. Henoch-Schonlein Purpura. National Kidney and Urologic Diseases Clearinghouse. http://kidney.niddk.nih.gov/kudiseases/pubs/HSP. Accessed Aug. 10, 2008.

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Nov. 4, 2008

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