HENOCH-SCHONLEIN PURPURA ? A REVIEW

摘要

Henoch-Schonlein purpura (HSP), the commonest childhood vasculitis, is typified by skin, joint, gastrointestinal tract and renal involvement. It shows peak incidence between the ages of 4 and 6 years and has a recurrence rate of 30%. Investigations are useful in differentiating HSP from other vasculitides but the diagnosis is clinical. Renal damage via an immune complex glomerulonephritis is the most serious long-term complication and warrants the greatest attention from clinicians: to establish who requires long-term follow-up, renal biopsy and immunosup-pressive therapy. Immunosuppressive regimens are varied, and local experience with corticosteroids and azathioprine, as well as reported studies, is discussed in more detail.