Henoch-Schonlein Purpura (HSP)orAnaphylactoid Purpura
What is Henoch-Schonlein purpura (HSP)?
Henoch-Schonlein purpura (HSP or anaphylactoid purpura) is a form of blood vessel inflammation or vasculitis.There are many different conditions that feature vasculitis. Each of the forms of vasculitis tends to involvecertain characteristic blood vessels. HSP affects the small arterial vessels called capillaries in the skin andfrequently the kidneys. HSP results in skinrash(most prominent over the buttocks and behind the lower extremities associated with joint inflammation (arthritis
) and sometimes cramping pain in the abdomen.
What causes HSP?
HSP occurs most often in the spring and frequently follows an infection of the throat or breathing passages.HSP seems to represent an unusual reaction of the body's immune system that is in response to this infection(either bacteria or virus). Aside from infection, drugs can also trigger the condition. HSP occurs mostcommonly in children, but people of all age groups can be affected.
What are symptoms of HSP?
Classically, HSP causes skin rash, pain in the abdomen, and joint inflammation (arthritis). Not all features need be present for the diagnosis. The rash of skin lesions appears in gravity-dependent areas, such as the legs. The joints most frequently affected with pain and swelling are the ankles and the knees. Patients with HSP candevelop fever. Inflammation of the blood vessels in the kidneys can cause blood and/or protein in the urine.Serious kidney complications are infrequent but can occur.Symptoms usually last approximately a month. Recurrences are not frequent but do occur.
How is HSP diagnosed?
HSP is usually diagnosed based on the typical skin, joint, and kidney findings. Throat culture,urinalysis, bloodtests for inflammation and kidney function are used to suggest the diagnosis.Biopsy of skin,and less
commonly kidneys, can be used to demonstrate vasculitis.
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