Henoch-Schonlein purpura.
OBJECTIVE
The purpose of this review is to educate the reader about the one of the most common vasculitides of childhood: Henoch-Schonlein purpura. Although the disease has been described for over a century, the etiology has yet to be discovered. Adult-onset Henoch-Schonlein purpura is unusual, but through case studies, this review examines some of the common manifestations of this presentation of disease. Long-term outcome studies are still defining how this disease affects a small but significant percentage of patients afflicted with Henoch-Schonlein purpura.


RESULTS
This article will summarize recent work in molecular biology and genetics evaluating predisposing factors in the development of Henoch-Schonlein purpura. Further illustrations of the various complications of Henoch-Schonlein purpura will be reviewed. Recent long-term studies of outcomes of patients with renal disease from Henoch-Schonlein purpura will be summarized.


CONCLUSIONS
After reading this review, the clinician will be able to elucidate the manifestations of Henoch-Schonlein purpura, determine appropriate treatment of the disease, and, most importantly, give the patient information about long-term consequences of Henoch-Schonlein purpura.
Ballinger
Susan
S
Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis 46202, USA. sballing@iupui.edu
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D002648:Child; D002675:Child, Preschool; D006801:Humans; D011695:IgA Vasculitis / Q000150:complications / Q000209:etiology / Q000473:pathology; D009393:Nephritis / Q000209:etiology / Q000473:pathology; D011379:Prognosis