संक्रामक रोग और चिकित्सा जर्नल

Henoch-Schönlein Purpura in Children: Assessment of 85 Case

Abstract

Huseyin Dag

Introduction and Objective: The objective of this study is to retrospectively evaluate the sociodemographic characteristics, and clinical and laboratory findings of patients diagnosed with Henoch-Schönlein purpura (HSP) and followed by our clinic, and to review the treatment approaches for these patients. Materials and Methods: The sociodemographic data, clinical and laboratory findings, and treatment information of patients diagnosed with Henoch-Schönlein purpura and admitted to the Pediatric Clinic of the Ministry of Health Okmeydanı Training and Research Hospital between 1 January 2008 - 31 August 2013 were obtained from the file records in the hospital’s data processing system and evaluated in this retrospective, cross-sectional study. Results: The study included 85 patients (49 M, 36 F) between the ages of 2-16 years. 49 patients (57.6%) were male and 36 patients (42.4%) were female, wherein the male: female ratio was 1.36:1. The mean age was 9.9 ± 3.3 years, wherein 53 patients (62.4%) were under 10 years of age and 32 patients (37.6%) were over 10. The most common etiological factor was upper respiratory tract infections (URTI). Purpura was the only symptom observed in all patients and joint involvement was the second most common symptom (60%). Gastrointestinal system (GIS) involvement was observed in 46 patients (58.8%) and invagination was observed in one patient. Nine patients (10.6%) had renal involvement with mild nephropathy. The most frequently observed laboratory findings were increased CRP (47%) and leukocytosis (31%). It was observed that 29 patients (34.1%) were administered nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs and 38 patients (44.7%) were administered corticosteroids in their treatment. Conclusion: HSP, which is commonly seen in children and leads to life-threatening complications in a minority of patients, still remains significant. All patients with GIS symptoms should be examined using imaging methods and monitored in order to assess the severity of the disease, and any GIS complications should be observed and followed-up on.