Clinical Manifestations and Outcomes of Henoch-Schönlein Purpura: Comparison between Adults and Children

Abstract

Henoch-Schönlein purpura (HSP) primarily affects children, but age at onset is thought to be important in determining disease severity and outcome. This study compared the clinical and laboratory data from children and adults with HSP. Methods: This retrospective 5-year study enrolled 65 children and 22 adult HSP patients attending a medical center. Results: Gross hematuria and lower-extremity edema were significantly more frequent in adults (p 20 years, male, bloody stools, clinical course with relapse of purpuric rash, and persistent rash for > 1 month were poor prognostic indicators for HSP nephritis (p < 0.05). Conclusions: HSP nephritis in adults had a higher risk of progression to renal insufficiency. More aggressive treatment and extended follow-up with repeated urinalysis for at least 6 weeks were often necessary, especially in older patients.

Keywords

• adult
• children
• Henoch-Schönlein purpura
• nephrotic syndrome
• nephritis