Abstract

Henoch Schönlein purpura (HSP) has been known since the beginning of 19th century. ît is the most common vasculitis of childhood and characterized by arthritis, non-thrombocytopenic purpura, abdominal pain and renal disease. Etiology of HSP is not known and the clinical course is self limited except those with renal involvement, some of which might develop chronic disease. Furthermore, fatal pulmonary and cerebral hemorrhages and thrombotic events could develop during the active phase of the disease. Clinical course is different in children than in adults. Renal disease is more severe in adult patients. The treatment of HSP is usually supportive and include non-steroidal antiinflammatory drugs for arthritis, steroids for soft tissue swelling and severe abdominal pain, and cyclophosphamide and low dose steroids for nephritic or nephrotic renal involvement in children. Without renal involvement, long-term prognosis is good in children. Pregnant women with a history of HSP, whether they had renal involvement or not during the initial attack, should be followed carefully for renal functions throughout their pregnancies