Henoch-Schonlein Purpura (HSP)
Children’s Services
Women and Children’s Group
This leaflet has been designed to
give you important information
about your child’s condition, and to
answer some common queries that
you may have.
What is Henoch-Schonlein
Purpura?
Henoch-Schonlein Purpura or HSP as it is
known is a relatively common temporary
condition affecting children between 6
months and 16 years of age. It usually
occurs in children between 2 and 8 years of
age and in boys than girls. The cause is
unknown but the condition often follows a
viral illness such as a sore throat or a cold.
HSP occurs when the smallest blood vessels
called capillaries become inflamed and
‘burst’ causing lots of small bleeds under the
skin. The rash is caused by these bleeds
occurs most commonly on the feet, ankles,
legs, buttocks and elbows and often looks
like large red/purple bruises.
What are the Symptoms?
•
Kidneys - Protein and blood may be
found in the urine due to inflammation in
the kidneys. Often this will resolve as
your child gets better. However it can be
a more serious long-term problem and
your child may need careful monitoring.
If this is necessary this will be discussed
with you by the Consultant
Your child’s symptoms may range from
simply having the rash, to having all of the
symptoms mentioned, depending on how
they have been affected.
How is the diagnosis made?
Diagnosis is usually made on the symptoms
your child has, there is no specific test to
diagnose HSP. However the doctors may
want to do some blood tests to rule out other
conditions which can cause a similar rash.
Children affected by HSP are usually well in
themselves, however it can cause some
children to become lethargic (lack of
energy/tired) and lose their appetite for a
short period of time.
Stool and urine samples are usually required
to test for the presence of blood. This will
help the doctors assess your child’s
conditions.
The symptoms mainly affect 4 main areas of
the body; however HSP can affect any
organs.
What is the treatment?
•
Skin - Affected in all cases A purple-red
rash, which does not turn white when
pressed. In some cases this rash can
turn into ulcers. The rash is usually over
the backs of the arms and the legs,
which can also be swollen
•
Digestive system - Vomiting, tummy
aches and pains which can be severe.
This can result in blood in the stool
•
Joints - Painful and swollen joints can
occur due to swelling (inflammation),
usually affecting the knees and ankles
There is no specific treatment for HSP, it will
get better on it’s own, however it is important
to realise that the symptoms may come and
go a few times over a period of weeks or
months before it eventually clears
completely. Treatment is based on
management of the symptoms and
observation of your child.
Although the rash looks unsightly it is not
contagious and will fade completely without
any scarring. You may find that the rash
worsens temporarily if your child is quite
active, but as the rash does not cause any ill
effects activity should not be restricted.
Pain killers are encouraged for relief of joint
pain. Ibuprofen is commonly used as it is an
‘anti-inflammatory’ drug and it can help
reduce both the swelling and pain. Ibuprofen
should only be used after discussion with
medical staff/Pharmacist, as its use is not
recommended in all children, i.e. those
children who suffer from asthma. Bed rest
may be necessary until the swelling reduces
as it can be painful and difficult to walk. Joint
pain and swelling will resolve in a few days
without any lasting problems.
If your child has bowel involvement causing
abdominal pain which is not relieved by pain
killers, then the doctors may consider using
a short course of oral steroids. Steroids help
to reduce the inflammation and swelling of
the bowel, which causes the bleeds and
pain.
on your child’s symptoms. Your child may go
home when the doctor is happy that their
symptoms are under control and they are
well enough for discharge.
Will my child require a follow up
appointment?
A decision whether your child requires follow
up in the outpatient clinic will be made by the
Consultant on the day of discharge. If your
child has had blood in their urine they may
be followed up in the outpatient clinic, to
monitor how the kidneys are working.
The Consultant may also refer your child to
the Children’s Community Nursing Team
who will be able to offer further advice and
support if necessary.
Are there any alternative
treatments?
Your child should return to school when you
feel they are well enough, even if the rash is
still present. Long sleeves and trousers may
be advisable in this case.
Currently there are no alternative treatments
for HSP.
Are there any complications?
What are the benefits in my child
being treated?
If your child is suffering from joint pain or
abdominal pain then pain relief and/or a short
course of oral steroids will help relieve these
symptoms.
How long will my child need to stay
in hospital?
If your child is quite well then a hospital stay
may not be necessary. However if the doctor
feels this is necessary it will usually be to
observe your child and get their symptoms
under control. The length of stay will depend
The symptoms of HSP usually clear in time
and most children make a full recovery.
However some children may have
complications involving their kidneys, with a
small percentage going into end stage renal
failure.
Intussusception which is a rare bowel
complication is also another complication. If
your child develops severe abdominal pain
medical attention should be sought.
Further information
If you require any further information about
HSP, then please ask your child’s hospital
nurse, doctor or Children’s Community
Nurse.
Henoch Schonlein Purpura Support
Group
Tel: 01733 204368 (10am-2pm; answer
machine available, group is unable to return
calls to mobile phones)
Email: [email protected]
www.cafamily.org.uk/Direct/h36.html
Tel: 0808 808 3555
Northern Lincolnshire and Goole
Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust
Diana Princess of Wales Hospital
Scartho Road
Grimsby
01472 874111
Scunthorpe General Hospital
Cliff Gardens
Scunthorpe
01724 282282
Goole & District Hospital
Woodland Avenue
Goole
01405 720720
www.nlg.nhs.uk
References
Date of issue: July 2011
Great Ormond Street Trust Ref 09F0694
March 2010
Review Period: May 2014
Concerns and Queries
If you have any concerns/queries about any
of the services offered by the Trust, in the
first instance, please speak to the person
providing your care.
For Diana, Princess of Wales Hospital
Alternatively you can contact the Patient
Advice and Liaison Service (PALS) on
(01472) 875403 or at the PALS office which
is situated near the main entrance.
For Scunthorpe General Hospital
Alternatively you can contact the Patient
Advice and Liaison Service (PALS) on
(01724) 290132 or at the PALS office which
is situated on C Floor.
Alternatively you can email:
[email protected]
Author: Children’s Services Clinical Guideline
Group
IFP-470 v3
© NLGHFT 2011