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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

References

Cedars Sinai

Johns Hopkins

Profile by: Jillian Vocke