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Management of Henoch-Schönlein purpura (IgA vasculitis)

INTRODUCTION

Henoch-Schönlein purpura (HSP), also called IgA vasculitis (IgAV) [1], is the most common systemic vasculitis of childhood. Ninety percent of cases occur in the pediatric age group. In contrast to other forms of systemic vasculitis, HSP (IgAV) is usually self-limited and is characterized by a tetrad of clinical manifestations that vary in their presence and order of presentation.

  • Palpable purpura in patients with neither thrombocytopenia nor coagulopathy
  • Arthralgia and/or arthritis
  • Abdominal pain
  • Renal disease

Management of HSP (IgAV) is divided into supportive care, symptomatic therapy, and targeted treatment to decrease the risk of complications. The management of HSP (IgAV) will be presented here. The clinical manifestations, pathogenesis, diagnosis, and differential diagnosis of HSP (IgAV) are discussed separately. (See "Clinical manifestations and diagnosis of Henoch-Schönlein purpura (IgA vasculitis)".)

SUPPORTIVE CARE

In patients with HSP (IgAV), care is primarily supportive and includes adequate hydration, rest, and symptomatic relief of pain.

Most patients may be cared for in the ambulatory setting. In these patients, therapy is directed toward adequate oral hydration and symptomatic relief. Edema of the lower extremities, buttocks, and genital area is improved with bed rest and/or elevating the affected area.

           

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Literature review current through: May 2013. | This topic last updated: Apr 8, 2013.
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