Abstract:

Aim: The aim of this study was to investigate the clinical and epidemiologic features, laboratory finding and outcome of disease in our patients with Henoch-Schönlein purpura. Methods: Fourty-five patients with Henoch-Schönlein purpura who were diagnosed and observed in our department of pediatrics between 2000-2006 were retrospectively evaluated. Results: Twentyseven (60.0%) of the patients were female and 18 (40.0%) were male, female to male ratio was1.5. Mean age of the patients was 6 year 9 months (8 months-14 years). Initial symptoms and findings in the time of admission with decreasing frequency were purpura (100%), disability to walk and/or arthralgia (71.1%) ve stomachache (40.0%). An infection history was present in 57.7% of the patients in the last 12 days. In physical examination, purpura (lower extremity and hips 100%, diffuse 11.1%), arhtritis (32 patients, 71.1%, mostly diffused on ankle and knee), fever (9 patients, 20,0%) were discovered. Anaemia (8/45 patients, 17.7%), leukocytosis (6/45 patients, 13.3%), trombocytosis (16/45 patients, 35.5%), increased erythrocyte sedimentation rate (16/25 patients, 64.0%), positive CRP (33/34 patients, 97.0%), hematuria (4/45 patients, 8.8%), proteinuria (2/45 patients, 4.4%), positive fecal blood tests (14/42 patients, 33.3%) were determined. Renal biopsy was not needed as there was no persistant hematuria and proteinuria. 17 patients who had gastrointestinal involvement were treated with steroid therapy for a mean period of 9.1 days. Perforation and invagination was not observed. Relapse was seen in 9 patients. (mean duration 15th day). There was no nervous system involvement in any patients. Conclusion: Henoch-Schonlein Purpura is a frequent benign disease of childhood. Complicatios and sequeles are infrequent.

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