Henoch-Schoenlein Purpura: Recent Facts and Treatment Advances

HenochSchonlein purpura (HSP) is the most common vasculitis of childhood, affecting 1020 children per 100,000 people each year. More than 90% of patients are under 10 years of age and the median age is 6 years (1, 2). HSP is a leukocytoclastic vasculitis that involves small blood vessels.

HenochSchonlein purpura is an IgAmediated immune vasculitis that involves small blood vessels in the joints, kidneys, gastrointestinal (GI) tract, skin, and less commonly in the central nervous system and lungs. Patients with this disease often present with abdominal discomfort, essential purpura, joint pain, and kidney disease. This review focuses on different aspects of the current disease.