Henoch Schonlein Purpura in children: clinical analysis of 120 cases

P Chen, XB Zhu, P Ren, YB Wang, RP Sun, DE Wei

Abstract

Background: Henoch Schonlein Purpura (HSP) is a systemic vasculitic disease which is common in children. It is very important to understand the clinical features of this disease for doctors and nurses.

Objectives: To study the clinical characteristics of HSP in children.

Methods: Collect the clinical data of the HSP children, and analyze the clinical characteristics of these HSP patients.

Results: The ratio of M:F was 1.9:1. The mean age was 6.6 ± 1.6 years. The typical onset seasons were spring, winter and autumn. Infection and food allergy were the main etiological factors. The first symptom was skin purpura and these purpura mainly concentrated the lower extremities and buttocks. The dominant digestive clinical features were abdominal pains and vomiting. The knee joint and ankle joint were most frequently affected. The typical kidney symptoms were microscopic hematuria and albuminuria. An increased ESR was reported in 68 patients (56.7%). Serum C3 decreased in 13 cases (10.8%). ASO titer was higher in 57 children (47.5%).

Conclusion: There were gender, season and area differences for the HSP patients. The etiological factors were diverse. HSP patients could have various clinical symptoms and rare complications.

Key words: Henoch Schonlein Purpura, Children