Objective:
The medical records of 101 children who had Henoch Schönlein Purpura (HSP), admitted to our clinic in the past 9 years were reviewed retrospectively regarding clinical findings, laboratory values, etiological factors, complications and cases with atypical presentation.
Material and Methods:
Between January1996 and April 2005, 101 patients were diagnosed as HSP in our clinic. Retrospective evaluation of patient files was done regarding clinical findings, laboratory values, etiological factors, and complications.
Results:
Among 101 patients diagnosed as HSP revealed palpable purpura (91%), arthralgia (54%), abdominal pain (46.5%), nausea and vomiting (11.8%), fever (8.9%), scrotal edema (3.96%), macroscopic haematuria (3.96%) were the most common presenting symptoms. In 4 (3.96%) patients invagination occurred. 45 (44.5%) of the patients had renal involvement as haematuria in 20 (45%), mild proteinuria and haematuria in 18 (40%) and heavy proteinuria in 7 (15%) patients. Renal biopsy was applied to 3 of the patients with nephrotic proteinuria and revealed cresentic nephritis as the pathological diagnosis. In 2 (1.98%) patients acute renal failure occurred, One (0.99%) patient required haemodialysis and the same patient died of acute pulmonary hemorrhage. Patients were followed up 7.28±4.83 months (2 months-2 years). 13 (12.9%) patients had recurrence of symptoms during the follow-up period.
Conclusion:
Although HSP has a good prognosis, the course of the disease sometimes can be atypical with life threatening complications. In acute phase, patients should be closely followed for complications whereas long term follow up is necessary for the evaluation of renal involvement and recurrences.
Keywords: Henoch Schönlein purpura, vasculitis, childhood