Henoch-Schonlein Purpura is an inflammation of the blood vessels. In this disorder immune complexes which contain antibody lgA get deposited in the kidney, joints and skin. In some very rare cases, the lungs can also be affected. Henoch-Schonlein purpura or HSP is also known as allergic purpura. This disorder occurs mostly in children.
Henoch-Schonlein purpura gets its name from Johan Schonlein and Edouard Henoch. They were German physicians. Schonlein was the first to describe cases of peliosis rheumatica in association with arthritis. Henoch later described the symptoms which included abdominal pain and vomiting.
Henoch-Schonlein purpura may be caused due to genetic and environmental factors. Many patients experience infections of the upper-respiratory tract. Henoch-Schonlein purpura may be developed as a result of viral and bacterial infections. In some cases vaccinations and medical injections have also lead to this disorder. Among genetic factors leading to HSP, the role of nitric oxide metabolism has been noted.
Symptoms of Henoch-Schonlein purpura include renal problems, migratory polyarthritis, and a rash. The rash caused involves the hemorrhages in skin tissue. Patients may experience abdominal and joint pains.
Other symptoms include migratory arthralgias, hematuria and vasculitis rash. HSP may be developed in any organ system.
Symptoms such as anorexia, headache and fever should not be neglected. These may be the initial symptoms of Henoch-Schonlein purpura. After these, a rash appears on the patients body. This rash is the most characteristic symptom of the disease. The drugs usually prescribed for patients suffering from HSP are Penicillin, Ampicillin and Quinine. Henoch-Schonlein purpura affects approximately 14 in every 100,000 people. Most cases only require their symptoms to be treated. However, in about 33% of the cases HSP may relapse and cause kidney damage.
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In such cases the damage caused to the kidney is irreversible. In most cases of Henoch-Schonlein purpura no permanent complications are involved. However, about 20% of the patients develop serious renal complications.
Among children, more boys develop HSP than girls. This disorder mainly affects children. Most of the children suffering from Henoch-Schonlein purpura are between 2 and 11 years of age. Adults are rarely affected by it. Among adults the ratio of men prone to Henoch-Schonlein purpura as compared to women is 1:1. However, the development of HSP by adults may lead to serious complications. To know about Henoch-Schonlein purpura, its causes, symptoms and treatment, log onto arthiritisxl.com .
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