Henoch-Shoenlein Purpura

Henoch-Shoenlein Purpura (HSP) is a multisystem disorder of unknown etiology affecting predominantly the skin, joints, gastrointestinal tract, and the kidneys but other organs can be affected as well. It is one of the most common causes of vasculitic disorders in children. No specific autoantibodies have been detected in HSP, but the presence of IgA depositions in both skin and kidney biopsies and the presence of IgA-containing circulating immune complexes support the immunological pathogenesis. The natural history of the disease is cure in most cases, although recurrence and end-stage kidney disease are described. The treatment consists of corticosteroids and immunosuppressive drugs.