Abstract:

Objective: Immunoglobulin A vasculitis (Henoch-Schönlein Purpura) is the most common systemic vasculitis of childhood involving the skin, joints, gastrointestinal tract, and kidneys, and less frequently affects other systems. In this study, we aimed to evaluate the epidemiologic, clinical, and laboratory findings of pediatric patients with IgA vasculitis. Material and Methods: In this study, 366 patients diagnosed with IgA vasculitis (Henoch-Schönlein Purpura) in the pediatric nephrology clinic were retrospectively analyzed. Demographic characteristics, clinical findings, system involvement, and laboratory findings were recorded. Results: Of the patients in the study, 57.9% (212) were male and the male-to-female ratio was 1.37. The most common age group was found to be between 5-9 years of age. A statistically significant correlation existed between age and renal involvement (p<0.001). It was found that renal involvement increased with increasing age. Gastrointestinal system involvement was statistically significantly higher in the male gender (p=0.003). A statistically significant correlation existed between increased leukocyte counts, gastrointestinal system involvement, and renal involvement (p=0.001, p=0.009, respectively). Conclusion: Age and increased leukocyte count were found to be risk factors for renal involvement. Male gender and increased leukocyte count were found to be risk factors for gastrointestinal system involvement.

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