Henoch Schonlein Purpura
Description
Causing purple spots on the skin, joint pain, vomiting, diarrhea, and inflammation of the kidneys (glomerulonephritis). It is most often seen in children. The cause of the disease is unknown. It is characterized by an abnormal immune response causing inflammation of the blood vessels (vasculitis). A serious intestinal disorder called intussusception can be associated with this disorder.
Symptoms
Abdominal pain, bloody stools, hives, angioedema, joint pain, diarrhea, purple spots on the skin (purpura), vomiting.
Tests
A history and physical exam will be performed. Tests to determine the severity of the disease will be done.
- CBC
- Chem 12
- UA
Treatment
No specific therapy is available. Supportive treatment including intravenous fluids, hospitalization, and blood transfusions is given. Occasionally the following treatments are administered: steroids, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory medications/NSAIDs (ibuprofen/Motrin or Advil, naproxen/Naprosyn), acetaminophen (Tylenol), dapsone, azathioprine, intravenous immunoglobulin, and plasmapharesis.
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