HENOCH SCHONLEIN PURPURA or HSP

• This is a medical condition commonly seen in children of age 10 years or younger.

• This is due to the inflammation of blood vessels in the body.

• This generally presents as a non-blanching rash which most often appears in the lower limbs or buttocks of the child.

REMEMBER

• Always see a doctor when you have a non-blanching rash.

 

SYMPTOMS

• Palpable non-blanching rash which starts as redness in skin and then develops into larger lesions.

• Generally, rash is seen on legs, buttocks

• There can be swelling of legs, lips, hands.

• There can be symptoms of Arthritis- inflammation of joints.

• Abdominal pain, vomiting, diarrhoea, bleeding in stool- can occur.

• They can have kidney problems, Blood pressure problems

• Rarely they may complain of a headache

 

DIAGNOSIS AND INVESTIGATIONS

• This is a clinical diagnosis. Meaning, only on clinical presentation, the doctor can suspect this disease.

• Bloods should be done to rule out other severe causes of rash

• Urine infections- to look for kidney functions

• Scans- ultrasound of  stomach to look for organ swelling or complications

 

TREATMENT

• There is no treatment to stop the disease, but medications to control the symptoms are given.

• Painkillers for joint pain is given.

• Adequate hydration should be maintained by drinking plenty fluids.

• Steroid medications are started to reduce the inflammation

• May need specialist involvement by kidney doctors, bone doctors.

 

FOLLOW UP-

• The children need regular follow up – at least once a week for blood pressure measurement and urine investigations

 

PROGNOSIS

• Most children with HSP recover without complications.

• Occasionally the intestines or kidneys may be affected severely

 

DANGER SIGNS

• If a child has altered conscious see a doctor.

• High-grade fever or other signs of infection should be seen.

• Fits/ No urine production ( beyond 12 hours roughly) needs to be seen immediately.