Alternate Names: Anaphylactoid purpura; Vascular purpura

Causes and Risks: Henoch-Schonlein is a type of hypersensitivity vasculitis and inflammatory response within the blood vessel. It is caused by an abnormal response of the immune system. The exact cause for this disorder is unknown but the incidence in boys is greater than girls. The syndrome is usually seen in children, but people of any age may be affected. The symptoms usually resolve within 1 week, but they may recur several times before complete remission.

Prevention: unknown

Symptoms:

• purple spots on the skin (purpura), usually over the buttocks, lower legs, and elbows
• hives or angioedema
• joint pains
• abdominal pain
• nausea
• vomiting
• diarrhea
• stools, bloody
• menstruation, painful

Signs and Tests: A physical examination reveals skin lesions and joint tenderness.

• A urinalysis shows microscopic blood in the urine.
• A skin biopsy shows vasculitis.

Treatment: There is no specific treatment for this disorder. Most cases resolve spontaneously without treatment. If symptoms persist, therapy with corticosteroids such as prednisone is usually tried.

Prognosis: The disease usually resolves spontaneously without treatment.

Complications:

• recurrence of symptoms
• renal impairment (may occur in rare cases)

Call for an appointment with your health care provider if symptoms of Henoch-Scholnlein purpura develop, particularly if they last for more than a few days.

Call your health care provider if decreased urine output develops after an episode of Henoch-Schonlein purpura.