Henoch-Schölein purpura (HSP)/IgA vasculitis

HSP, also known as IgA vasculitis, is characterized by inflammation of the small blood vessels located in the skin, joints, intestines, and kidneys, sometimes accompanied by bleeding. Adults are more severely affected than children. HSP typically clears up without treatment, but if it progresses to affecting the kidneys, medical help may be necessary.

A purplish rash on the lower legs/buttocks, stomach pain, joint pain, nausea, vomiting, bloody stool, foamy urine and/or bloody urine, headache, fever, loss of appetite, cramping, painful menstruation, hives, and diarrhea.

Rubella, arthritis, intussusception (part of the intestine slides into an adjacent part of the intestine), and kidney damage/failure.

Those between the ages of 4 and 6 are most commonly affected. Males tend to be more commonly affected by HSP than females. African American children are less commonly affected by the condition than white or Asian children. Environmental triggers include colds, chickenpox, strep throat, measles, and hepatitis. Many recorded cases of HSP have followed upper respiratory infections. Other triggers include certain medications, food, insect bites, and cold weather. 

• Viral Infections May Be Associated with Henoch-Schönlein Purpura (2023)
• IgA vasculitis update: Epidemiology, pathogenesis, and biomarkers (2022)
• Henoch-schonlein purpura following exposure to SARS-CoV2 vaccine or infection: a systematic review and a case report (2023)
• Gut Microbiota Variations between Henoch-Schonlein Purpura and Henoch-Schonlein Purpura Nephritis (2022)
• Increased circulating innate lymphoid cell (ILC)1 and decreased circulating ILC3 are involved in the pathogenesis of Henoch-Schonlein purpura (2022)

Claire’s Story: Gender Bias & The Long Road to Diagnosis