Friday, November 26, 2010

Henoch–Schönlein Purpura

Definitions
systemic vasculitis(small blood vessels) affecting the skin, known also as anaphylactoid purpura


Pathophysiology
IgA deposition in vessel walls initiates an inflammatory cascade leading to vessel necrosis
Elevated IgA anticardiolipin antibodies and TGF-beta occur
Multiple organ involvement- disease of skin, kidneys, GI tract & joints

Aetiology
unknown(autoimmune)
infectious causes have been implicated: Beta-hemolytic, Streptococcus
genetic component- familial

Epidemiology
incidence 20 per 100,000, 3-5 years old
M:F=2:1
primarily in the fall, winter, spring

Presentation
Characteristic skin rash
 - first feature in 50%, cornerstone of dx
 - symmetrically distributed over the bittocks, extensor surfaces of the arms, legs, ankles.
 - Trunk is spared, unless trauma
 - initially urticarial, then maculopapular & purpuric
 - palpable & may recur over several weeks
Athralgia
 - ⅔ of pts
 - knee & ankle
 - usually resolves before the rash goes
Periarticular oedema
Colicky abdominal pain
 - can be treated with steroid
 - Gastrointestinal petechiae can cause haematemesis & melaena
 - Intussusception can occur & can be particularly difficult to diagnose
 - rare complications: ileus, protein-losing enteropathy, orchitis, CNS involvement
 - painful tender testicle/scrotum
Glomerulonephritis
 - 80% have haematuria or mild proteinuria
 - usually complete recovery
 - nephrotic syndrome if severe

Investigation
 - no confirmatory test/diagnostic lab, clinical dx
 - Lab findings: leukocytosis with left shift, anaemia, elevated IgA (50-70%), elevated ESR, prolong PT
 - Kidney biopsy if nephrotic syndrome
 - upper GI series with small bowel follow through- thickened folds, pseudotumours, hypomotility, thumbprinting
 - Doppler differentiate HSP from testicular torsion

Management
Outpatient
Supportive- fluid, pain control - NSAIDs (CI in glomerulonephritis)
monitor electrolytes, BUN/Creatinine, BP
In severe disease- monitor vitals, hamatocrit, stool guaiac testing, CT if mental status change

Prognosis & Complications
self-limited
persist for a month, shorter in younger pts
Recurs in 40%
Morbidity associated with renal, may become chronic, ESRF in 2-5%
Long-term mortality <1%

No comments:

Designed by Irfan Ziad • Copyleft under Creative Commons Attribution • Watermark Template • Powered by Blogger