Purpura rheumatica
Evidence: Antibody
Names
Anaphylactoid purpura
Henoch-Schönlein purpura
IgA vasculitis (IgAV)
Purpura rheumatica
Description
Purpura rheumatica is a temporary, childhood form of vasculitis due to inflammation of small blood vessels (capillaries) caused by an attach by the immune system. Purpura rheumatica is marked by inflammation in capillaries, the smallest blood vessels. Symptoms can be broad but must include raised, rash-like papules on the skin that do not turn white when pressed. Additional symptoms may include abdominal discomfort and joint pain. A clinician may also find deposits of an immune system protein (antibody or immunoglobulin) called IgA in the kidneys or small amounts of protein/hemoglobin present in urine samples.
This condition is usually temporary (4-6 weeks) with a full recovery for most patients. Very rarely, Purpura rheumatica can lead to complications with kidney or lung function.
Patient Groups
None found
Bloggers
None found
Prevalence
US Cases: 4,000 − 25,000 [Pirarm 2013]. Children under 10 years are 90% of cases. HSP is more common in males than females.
Typical Age of onset
Birth to 10 years
Symptoms
Common:
Skin rash/papules (purpura)
Abdominal pain
Joint pain/inflammation (arthralgia/arthritis)
Blood or protein in urine (hematuria/proteinuria)
Deposits of IgA in kidneys and other tissues
Rare:
Headaches
Inflammation in kidneys (Glomerulonephritis)
Chronic renal impairment
Gastrointestinal bleeding
Ureteral or bladder disease
Scrotal, penile, or testicular swelling or bleeding
Lung impairment
