IgA vasculitis (Henoch-Schönlein purpura)

Abstract

IgA vasculitis (Schönlein-Henoch purpura) is a systemic inflammation of the small vessels associated with the deposition of IgA antibodies in the vascular wall. Typical clinical symptoms are: skin lesions (purpura), joint pain, abdominal discomfort and renal disorder (most common haematuria/proteinuria). The disease affects usually the pediatric population; in those patients its course is benign and usually not associated with permanent complications. However, adults often present severe symptoms of organ damage, and the risk of complications, especially chronic renal failure is high. The diagnosis is based on clinical signs and skin biopsy. In mild cases the treatment is symptomatic. In cases with severe clinical symptoms corticosteroids are the basis of the therapy.