Question: What to do for Henoch-Schnlein Purpura ?
Answer: - Henoch-Schnlein purpura (HSP) is a disease that causes small blood vessels in the body to become inflamed and leak. - HSP is caused by an abnormal immune system response in which the bodys immune system attacks the bodys own cells and organs. The factors that cause this immune system response are not known. - The symptoms of HSP include the following: - rash - digestive tract problems - arthritis - kidney involvement - In children, the risk of kidney damage leading to long-term problems may be as high as 15 percent, but kidney failure affects only about 1 percent of children with HSP. Up to 40 percent of adults with HSP will have CKD or kidney failure within 15 years after diagnosis. - A diagnosis of HSP is suspected when a person has the characteristic rash and one of the following: - abdominal pain - joint pain - antibody deposits on the skin - hematuria or proteinuria - Antibody deposits on the skin can confirm the diagnosis of HSP. - No specific treatment for HSP exists. The main goal of treatment is to relieve symptoms such as joint pain, abdominal pain, and swelling. People with kidney involvement may receive treatment aimed at preventing long-term kidney disease.
Source: NIDDK