[Clinical efficacy and safety of acupuncture combined with western medicine in treatment of children with abdominal Henoch-Schonlein purpura with spleen-stomach damp-heat syndrome]

OBJECTIVE

To investigate the clinical effect of acupuncture combined with western medicine in the treatment of children with abdominal Henoch-Schonlein purpura with spleen-stomach damp-heat syndrome.

METHODS

A total of 60 children with abdominal Henoch-Schonlein purpura with spleen-stomach damp-heat syndrome were randomly divided into treatment group and control group, with 30 patients in each group. The patients in the control group were given Hydroprednisone 2 mg•kg^-1•d^-1, and in addition to the treatment in the control group, those in the treatment group were given acupuncture at Tianshu (ST25), Neiguan (PC6), Zusanli (ST36), Zhongwan (CV12), Qihai (CV6), and Sanyinjiao (SP6) once a day, with a needle retaining time of 15 minutes. Both groups were treated for 7 days. The scores of abdominal pain, hematochezia, hematemesis, vomiting, poor appetite, abdominal distension, purpura, occult blood in stool, and abdominal ultrasound were determined before and after treatment, and the time to the disappearance of abdominal pain was observed. Clinical outcome was evaluated.

RESULTS

The treatment group had a significantly higher effective rate than the control group ［96.7% (29/30) vs 80.0% (24/30), P<0.05］. Both groups had significant reductions in the scores of abdominal pain, hematochezia, hematemesis, poor appetite, abdominal distension, purpura, occult blood and abdominal ultrasound and the total score after treatment (P<0.05), and compared with the control group after treatment, the treatment group had significantly lower scores of abdominal pain, poor appetite, abdominal distension, and abdominal ultrasound and total score (P<0.05). The treatment group had a significantly shorter time to disappea-rance of abdominal pain than the control group (P<0.05).

CONCLUSION

Acupuncture combined with western medicine has a better clinical effect than western medicine alone in the treatment of abdominal Henoch-Schonlein purpura with spleen-stomach damp-heat syndrome and can significantly improve clinical symptoms and signs and shorten the time to disappearance of abdominal pain.

A Rare Case of Helicobacter pylori Infection Complicated by Henoch-Schonlein Purpura in an Adult Patient

Henoch-Schonlein purpura (HSP) is known as a leukocytoclastic vasculitis of small vessels, resulting in skin, joint, gastrointestinal (GI) and renal involvement. It is the most common acute vasculitis in children but is relatively uncommon in adults. The pathogenesis of HSP remains unclear, but a wide variety of conditions such as bacterial or viral infections, vaccinations, drugs and other environmental exposures may be responsible for the onset. A few previous case reports have described an association between gastric Helicobacter pylori (HP) infection and HSP. A 30-year-old Indian man who migrated to the USA from India 3 years prior to this presentation with a past medical history of psoriasis on remission, not on any medications presented to the emergency department with sudden onset constant abdominal pain for 5 days. The pain was in the right upper quadrant, spasmodic in nature. The abdominal examination was normal. The patient was evaluated with complete blood count, comprehensive metabolic panel, urinalysis, computed tomography scan of abdomen and pelvis, and right upper quadrant ultrasound, all of which were negative except for leukocytosis. He was discharged on pantoprazole and tramadol. Pain continued despite treatment. Patient was readmitted 2 days later, when he noticed a new maculopapular rash on both legs. Upper GI endoscopy was done showing non-bleeding small gastric ulcer with multiple duodenal erosions. Gastric biopsy came back positive for HP and he was started on clarithromycin, amoxicillin and lansoprazole. Pain persisted after finishing antibiotic course. Rash continued to spread to involve the thighs, flanks, around the umbilicus and extensor surfaces of arms. Immunological workup was negative. A skin biopsy of the skin rash came back positive for leukocytoclastic vasculitis. HSP diagnosis was made by exclusion. Patient was started on prednisone 40 mg daily and improved drastically on the following day. He was continued steroids taper for 8 weeks. Rash as well as abdominal pain resolved completely. In conclusion, HSP involves the skin, GI tract, joints and kidneys. It is a pediatric disease and rarely occurs in adults. It can be associated with underlying malignancy in adults. HP infection can trigger HSP in pediatric and adult patients. Detection of the carrier state is crucial in HSP patients in areas where HP is endemic. Eradication of HP infection is usually associated with the resolution of HSP. In resistant cases with GI and renal involvement, corticosteroids use results in resolution of symptoms and reduction of the duration of mild nephritis.

Treatment of refractory IgA vasculitis with dapsone: a systematic review

IgA vasculitis, formerly known as Henoch-Schönlein purpura, is a systemic IgA-mediated vasculitis of the small vessels commonly seen in children. The natural history of IgA vasculitis is generally self-limiting; however, one-third of patients experience symptom recurrence and a refractory course. This systematic review examined the use of dapsone in refractory IgA vasculitis cases. A literature search of PubMed databases retrieved 13 articles published until June 14, 2018. The most common clinical feature was a palpable rash (100% of patients), followed by joint pain (69.2%). Treatment response within 1-2 days was observed in 6 of 26 patients (23.1%) versus within 3-7 days in 17 patients (65.4%). Relapse after treatment discontinuation was reported in 17 patients (65.4%) but not in 3 patients (11.5 %). Four of the 26 patients (15.4%) reported adverse effects of dapsone including arthralgia (7.7%), rash (7.7%), and dapsone hypersensitivity syndrome (3.8%). Our findings suggest that dapsone may affect refractory IgA vasculitis. Multicenter randomized placebo-controlled trials are necessary to determine the standard dosage of dapsone at initial or tapering of treatment in IgA vasculitis patients and evaluate whether dapsone has a significant benefit versus steroids or other medications.

Low Back Pain and Swelling as an Atypical Presentation of IgA Vasculitis

Introduction

Immunoglobulin A vasculitis (IgA vasculitis), formerly Henoch-Schonlein purpura, is the most common vasculitis in children.

Case Report

A 6-year-old female presented with low back pain and swelling, difficulty ambulating, and rash two weeks after a respiratory infection. She was approached with a broad differential and ultimately diagnosed with IgA vasculitis.

Discussion

Cutaneous manifestations, arthralgias, renal and gastrointestinal involvement are the most common presenting signs of IgA vasculitis. Only two cases of IgA vasculitis associated with lumbar pain and swelling were identified in the literature.

Conclusion

While rash and joint pain are common presenting signs of IgA vasculitis, practitioners should be aware it can present atypically.

Rituximab treatment for IgA vasculitis: A systematic review

BACKGROUND

Immunoglobulin A vasculitis (IgAV) is a systemic small vessel vasculitis for which treatment of severe cases is usually based on glucocorticoids and other conventional immunosuppressive drugs. The role of rituximab for resistant or refractory cases has been explored in isolated case reports and small series.

AIMS

To perform a literature review of all pediatric and adult patients with IgAV treated with rituximab (RTX) and to assess disease characteristics, RTX efficacy and safety.

METHODS

We conducted a systematic literature review according to PRISMA guidelines by selecting articles with information on IgAV and RTX up to October 2019. We extracted data on patient characteristics, disease course, RTX efficacy and tolerance. The resulting database was analyzed with statistical software package SPSS v 22.0.

RESULTS

Among the initial 161 articles found, 20 studies including 35 well-characterized IgAV patients treated with RTX were finally analyzed. Distribution by sex was similar, and the median age at diagnosis was 26 (range: 2 months to 70 years). Patients included were equally diagnosed at pediatric age and in the adulthood. Almost 90% of patients had renal involvement before RTX treatment and resistant or refractory disease to glucocorticoids or other immunosuppressive agents, mainly with renal impairment, was the reason for RTX administration in 85.7% of patients. RTX was used because of contraindication to these previous agents in 8.6% of patients, and as first line therapy in 5.7% of them. With regard to RTX response, 94.3% of patients presented clinical improvement of any type and 74.3% achieved sustained remission at the end of follow-up. Among the 13 (37.1%) patients who experienced a disease relapse, 11 (31.4%) were treated with a new RTX dose, with good disease control in all cases. In terms of treatment requirements, glucocorticoids and additional immunosuppressants were significantly lower after RTX administration. No deaths were observed and the rate of minor RTX-associated adverse effects was of 8.6%.

CONCLUSION

RTX seems to be a safe and useful agent in inducing disease remission and reducing previous immunosuppressive treatment in IgAV pediatric and adult patients resistant or refractory to glucocorticoids or other immunosuppressive drugs, and in those patients in whom these agents are contraindicated. Nevertheless, controlled clinical trials in are still warranted to clarify the role of RTX in IgAV.

Serum level of advanced oxidation protein products (AOPPs) in patients with Henoch-Schonlein purpura and its relationship with aberrant glycosylation of IgA1 and Cosmc mRNA expression

Background

Henoch–Schonlein purpura (HSP) is a systemic small vessel vasculitis that is mainly caused by IgA1‐type immune complex deposition. Advanced oxidation protein products (AOPPs) are specific markers of protein oxidation.

Objective

To explore the role of AOPPs in the pathogenesis of HSP.

Methods

There are 51 HSP patients who were divided into four subgroups: (i) skin type – 20 cases; (ii) joint type – 8 cases; (iii) abdominal type – 12 cases; (iv) renal type – 11 cases; and 18 healthy volunteers were enrolled as controls. The serum levels of AOPPs and Gd‐IgA1 were quantified by an HAA‐lectin‐based ELISA. The Cosmc mRNA expression in peripheral B lymphocytes was measured by RT‐PCR.

Results

1. Advanced oxidation protein products in different subgroups of HSP patients are all higher than the controls, while the renal‐type subgroup is the highest and the skin‐type subgroup is the lowest. 2. Spearman correlation analysis shows that: (i) AOPPs and Gd‐IgA1 in HSP patients are positively correlated; both of them are positively correlated with the disease severity scores; (ii) AOPPs are negatively correlated with the relative expression value (RQ) of Cosmc mRNA.

Conclusion

Advanced oxidation protein products play an important role in the pathogenesis of HSP, especially in renal‐type patients.

Successful treatment of hemorrhagic bullous Henoch-Schonlein purpura with intravenous immunoglobulins

Henoch-Schonlein purpura (HSP) is the most common systemic vasculitis in childhood. There is no consensus about the management for isolated cutaneous manifestations in HSP. We describe a case of HSP presenting with severe skin lesions that did not respond to standard therapy with corticosteroids. The 11-year-old child was treated with intravenous immunoglobulins, which induced rapid and persistent resolution of symptomatology.

Resolution of sinus bradycardia, high-grade heart block, and left ventricular systolic dysfunction with rituximab therapy in Henoch-Schonlein purpura

Henoch-Schonlein purpura (HSP) is a rare, typically self-limited, multi-organ vasculitis. Cardiac involvement with HSP carries high morbidity and mortality, thus requiring early aggressive immunosuppressive therapy. We report a case of HSP complicated with acute systolic left ventricular (LV) dysfunction, symptomatic sinus bradycardia and high-grade atrio-ventricular (AV) heart block. Cyclophosphamide, a commonly used agent in HSP, was contraindicated due to the patient's presentation with acute renal failure. Treatment with monoclonal antibody rituximab and corticosteroids was initiated with an improvement in and resolution of LV systolic dysfunction, sinus bradycardia and AV block. We believe this is the first published report on rituximab treatment in HSP with cardiac involvement manifesting with severe LV systolic dysfunction, sinus bradycardia and high-grade AV block.

Down-Regulation of miR-218-5p Promotes Apoptosis of Human Umbilical Vein Endothelial Cells Through Regulating High-Mobility Group Box-1 in Henoch-Schonlein Purpura

BACKGROUND

Apoptosis of human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs) plays an important role in the progression of Henoch-Schonlein purpura (HSP). In the present study, we explored the function of miR-218-5p in HUVEC apoptosis and HSP development.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

HSP rat model was established and peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC) were isolated. The expression of miR-218-5p and high-mobility group box-1 (HMGB1) protein in HUVECs was determined by quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction and western blot, respectively. Cell apoptosis was detected by terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase dUTP nick end labeling assay. The association between miR-218-5p and HMGB1 was determined by luciferase assay. The endogenous expression of related genes was modulated with recombinant plasmids and cell transfection.

RESULTS

MiR-218-5p was down-regulated and HMGB1 was up-regulated in vessels of the lower limb of HSP rats and in HUVECs co-cultured in HSP PBMC supernatant. MiR-218-5p negatively regulated HMGB1 by targeting its 3'-untranslated regions. Over expression of miR-218-5p reversed the increased apoptosis and HMGB1 expression observed in HUVECs co-cultured in PBMC supernatant, whereas miR-218-5p knockdown showed the opposite outcomes. Furthermore, the miR-218-5p mimic demonstrated an inhibitory effect on the apoptosis of HUVECs co-cultured in PBMC supernatant, which was reversed by over expression of HMGB1. In HSP rats, over expression of miR-218-5p attenuated HSP and decreased the level of HMGB1.

CONCLUSIONS

MiR-218-5p attenuated HSP at least partly through regulating HMGB1 expression and affecting the function of HUVECs.

Correlation between serum inflammatory factors TNF-α, IL-8, IL-10 and Henoch-Schonlein purpura with renal function impairment

The changes of tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), interleukin-8 (IL-8), interleukin-10 (IL-10) in the serum of Henoch-Schonlein purpura nephritis (HSPN) patients were analyzed to explore the correlation between the above inflammatory factors and progression of the disease. The present study used the double antibody sandwich enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) method to detect the serum levels of TNF-α, IL-8, IL-10 and urine protein in 112 cases of patients with Henoch-Schonlein purpura (HSP), including 54 cases of HSP combined with renal function impairment (group HSPN), and 58 cases not combined with renal function impairment (NHSPN), as well as 50 healthy patients who were selected as the control group. The concentration of TNF-α, IL-8, and IL-10 in the serum of HSP patients were higher than that of the control group, and the difference was statistically significant (P<0.05). There was no significant difference in the levels of IL-10, and IL-8 between the HSPN group and the NHSPN group (P>0.05), but the level of TNF-α in the serum of HSPN group was significantly higher than that of NHSPN group (P<0.05). TNF-α, IL-8 and IL-10 levels of the acute nephritis, chronic nephritis and nephrotic syndrome groups were all higher than the simple proteinuria group. In addition, the levels of the three factors of the acute nephritis group were all higher than those of the chronic nephritis and nephrotic syndrome groups (P<0.05). IL-8, IL-10, and TNF-α were positively correlated with the urinary protein levels. The results indicated that the levels of serum TNF-α, IL-8 and IL-10 are correlated with HSPN, and serum TNF-α concentration can be used as an indicator of the severity of HSPN.

Clinical significance of the serum biomarker index detection in children with Henoch-Schonlein purpura

OBJECTIVE

To explore a panel of serum biomarkers for laboratory diagnosis of pediatric Henoch-Schönlein purpura (HSP).

METHODS

The blood white blood cells (WBC) and serum levels of serum amyloid A (SAA), interleukin 6 (IL-6), immunoglobulin A (IgA), immunoglobulin G (IgG), immunoglobulin M (IgM), immunoglobulin E (IgE), C-reactive protein (CRP), complement component 3 (C3), complement component 4 (C4), and ASO (anti-streptolysin O) were detected in 127 patients with Henoch-Schonlein purpura (HSP), 110 cases of septicemia patients, and 121 healthy volunteers. The diagnostic ability of biomarkers selected from HSP and septicemia patients was analyzed by ROC curve. By designing the calculation model, the biomarker index was calculated for laboratory diagnosis of HSP and differential diagnosis between HSP and septicemia.

RESULTS

The levels of serum WBC, CRP, IL-6 and SAA in the septicemia patients were significantly higher than those in the control group (p<0.05). Compared with the healthy individuals, serum levels of WBC, CRP, IL-6, SAA, IgA and IgM were significantly increased in patients with HSP (p<0.05). The area under the curve (AUC) of SAA, IgA, IgM, WBC, IL-6, and CRP in the patients with HSP was 0.964, 0.855, 0.849, 0.787, 0.765, and 0.622, respectively. The values of SAA, IgA, IgM, WBC, IL-6, and CRP in septicemia patients were 0.700, 0.428, 0.689, 0.682, 0.891, and 0.853, respectively. Biomarker index=SAA+IgA/4000+IgM/4000×0.4CRPmean valueCRPi_. The biomarker index in HSP patients was significantly higher than that of the healthy controls. However, the biomarker index in septicemia patients was significantly lower than the control.

CONCLUSION

The biomarker index of HSP patients is higher than that of the control group. While in the infectious disease represented by septicemia, it is decreased. The detection of biomarker index could exclude the interference of infection as the auxiliary examination to HSP patients.

Adult-Onset Henoch-Schonlein Purpura Duodenitis

Henoch-Schonlein purpura (HSP) is an immune-mediated vasculitis. HSP presents with purple spots on the skin (purpura), arthralgia, digestive problems, and kidney injury. HSP is most commonly seen in children, and rarely presents in adults. The pathogenesis involves the deposition of immune complexes in small to medium size blood vessels which leads to necrosis and inflammation. Most patients recover after symptomatic treatment, while more severe cases are treated with steroids. We report a 28-year-old female patient who presented with two episodes of hematemesis, worsening abdominal pain, and bloody diarrhea. Physical examination showed erythematous, palpable, purpuric rashes on her thighs and lower legs. Contrast-enhanced computed tomography (CT) scan showed thickening of the duodenal wall, and upper endoscopy revealed mild gastric erythema and diffuse erythematous, hemorrhagic, friable mucosa with superficial, thick, adherent white exudate seen in the second portion of the duodenum, consistent with the diagnosis of HSP. We report on the clinical presentation of our patient, and review adult-onset HSP.

[Henoch-Schönlein Purpura Presenting as Intussusception]

Henoch-Schönlein purpura (HSP) is systemic vasculitis disease with various clinical manifestations. Gastrointestinal symptoms in patients with HSP are usually common, with an incidence rate of 62-90%. Most of these gastrointestinal symptoms occur after typical skin purpura, which is a very important clinical evidence for making a diagnosis of HSP. It is difficult to diagnose HSP without skin rash. About 25% of patients may experience gastrointestinal symptoms as their first symptoms. Herein, we report a case of ileo-colic intussusception associated with HSP in a 5-years-old girl presented with diffuse abdominal distension. Our patient did present any symptoms of HSP, such as purpura, arthralgia or arthritis, before surgery.

Preschool education impact on child development

Henoch-Schonlein purpura (HSP) is the most common vasculitis in children. Vasculitic processes can involve the lung. Although diffuse alveolar hemorrhage may be seen as one of the manifestation of HSP, it is not a frequent presentation. Here we reported the case of a 10-year-old girl with HSP nephritis who developed pulmonary hemorrhage. The patient was treated successfully with intravenous methylprednisolone. A review of the literature revealed that young age may be a good prognostic sign and that immunosuppressive drugs and supportive management are essential in the treatment.

No impairment of pulmonary function in children with Henoch-Schonlein purpura after 4-year follow-up

Henoch-Schonlein purpura (HSP) is a generalized form of IgA-mediated vasculitis that usually spares pulmonary circulation. Nevertheless, it is conceivable that subclinical changes at the HSP onset may lead to lung impairment in the long term. Therefore, we decided to follow a group of HSP patients for 4 years to monitor changes in pulmonary function. A group of 11 children and adolescents diagnosed with HSP without apparent pulmonary involvement was subjected to pulmonary function tests (PFTs), i.e., spirometry, body plethysmography, and diffusing capacity for CO (DLCO); these tests were repeated after 48 months. No significant impairment was observed in variables of spirometry, body plethysmography, and DLCO expressed as % of predicted values (% predicted) after 4 years. Specifically, no significant change in DLCO, corrected for blood hemoglobin concentration was noted, i.e., 79.3 ± 10.1 vs. 81.6 ± 14.7 % predicted at the beginning and the end of the study, respectively. IgA vasculitis seems to spare pulmonary circulation as we found no impairment in PFTs within the study time frame and a median of almost 6 years from the first episode of the disease.

Posterior Reversible Encephalopathy Syndrome in Henoch-Schonlein Purpura and Hemolytic Uremic Syndrome

Posterior reversible encephalopathy syndrome (PRES) is a clinico-radiological syndrome, composed of symptoms such as headache, seizures, visual disturbances, lethargy, confusion, stupor, focal neurologic findings and radiological findings of bilateral gray and white matter abnormalities suggestive of edema in the posterior regions of the cerebral hemispheres. PRES is associated with significant morbidity and mortality if it is not expeditiously recognized. Magnetic resonance image (MRI) represents the most sensitive imaging technique for recognizing PRES. PRES has been seen in various clinical settings including renal disorders such as acute glomerulonephritis, lupus nephritis, nephrotic syndrome, and drug usage such as calcineurin inhibitors. We aimed to present two study cases for such clinical setting. In this report, we present two patients with PRES in whom the primary diagnosis was hemolytic uremic syndrome (HUS) and Henoch-Schonlein purpura (HSP). Both of them were treated with anticonvulsant and proper antihypertensive drugs. A repeated MRI scan of the head, an ophthalmologic assessment, and a follow-up electroencephalogram produced normal results with no sequelae. Early recognition of PRES as a complication during different diseases and therapies in childhood may facilitate the appropriate treatment, so that intensive treatment should be performed as soon as possible to avoid neurological sequelae.

American Society of Nephrology Quiz and Questionnaire 2015: Glomerular Diseases

The Nephrology Quiz and Questionnaire remains an extremely popular session for attendees of the annual Kidney Week meeting of the American Society of Nephrology. Once again, the conference hall was overflowing with audience members and eager quiz participants. Topics covered by the expert discussants included electrolyte and acid-base disorders, glomerular disease, ESRD/dialysis, and kidney transplantation. Complex cases representing each of these categories, along with single-best-answer questions, were prepared and submitted by the panel of experts. Before the meeting, training program directors of United States nephrology fellowship programs and nephrology fellows answered the questions through an Internet-based questionnaire. During the live session, members of the audience tested their knowledge and judgment on a series of case-oriented questions prepared and discussed by the experts. They compared their answers in real time using their cell phones with a special app with the answers of the nephrology fellows and training program directors. The correct and incorrect answers were then discussed after the results of the questionnaire were displayed. As always, the audience, lecturers, and moderators enjoyed this educational session. This article recapitulates the session and reproduces its educational value for Clinical Journal of the American Society of Nephrology readers. Enjoy the clinical cases and expert discussions.

Acute Scrotal Swelling in Henoch-Schonlein Purpura: Case Report and Review of the Literature

Henoch-Schönlein purpura (HSP) is a systemic vasculitis characterized classically by purpura, arthritis and abdominal pain. Epididymitis/orchitis is rarely seen as a complication of HSP. Testicular or scrotal involvement has been reported in children with Henoch-Schonlein purpura and must be distinguished from testicular torsion. We report a case of a 5 year old boy diagnosed with Henoch-Schönlein purpura with acute scrotal swelling. He was managed successfully with conservative approach. The history, clinical examination findings and scrotal ultrasound evaluation should suffice to make the correct diagnosis and avoid surgery. Steroid treatment and/or antibiotics appeared to be effective for this condition.

Current views of the relationship between Helicobacter pylori and Henoch-Schonlein purpura in children

Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) is one of the factors involved in the pathogenesis of various gastrointestinal diseases and may play a potential role in certain extra-intestinal diseases. H. pylori infection are mainly acquired during childhood, and it has been reported that in endemic areas of China the infection rates are extraordinarily higher in HSP children, particular those with abdominal manifestations. Furthermore, eradication therapy may ameliorate Henoch-Schonlein purpura (HSP) manifestations and decrease the recurrence of HSP. Therefore, results suggested that detection of H. pylori infection by appropriate method ought to be applied in HSP children. Current evidences indicate that local injury of gastric mucosa and immunological events induced by H. pylori infection are involved in the development of HSP. Increased serum IgA, cryoglobulins, C3 levels, autoimmunity, proinflammatory substances and molecular mimicry inducing immune complex and cross-reactive antibodies caused by H. pylori infection might play their roles in the course of HSP. However, there are no investigations confirming the causality between H. pylori infection and HSP, and the pathogenesis mechanism is still unclear. More bench and clinical studies need to be executed to elaborate the complex association between H. pylori and HSP.

Relationship between chronic tonsillitis and Henoch-Schonlein purpura

The aim of this study was to explore the relationship between children's chronic tonsillitis and Henoch-Schonlein purpura (HSP). We randomly selected 56 cases of HSP children with chronic tonsillitis during December 2009 to December 2012, 26 cases for surgery group and 30 cases for non-surgery. The duration of abdominal pain and rash, 24 hours urine protein quantity, urine red blood cell count, titre of anti streptolysin O (ASO) and complement C3 (C3) were compared and analyzed with statistical method. Compared with the non-surgery group, the duration of abdominal pain and rash, overcast days of urine protein and occult blood in the surgery group were improved significantly (P < 0.05). 24 hours urine protein quantity and urine red blood cell count of the surgery group were improved significantly after surgery (P < 0.01). Chronic tonsillitis was one of the important factors leading to recurrent rash and inducing Henoch-Schonlein purpura nephritis. Tonsillectomy was an alternative mean to treat HSP children with chronic tonsillitis.

Even mild cases of paediatric Henoch-Schönlein purpura nephritis show significant long-term proteinuria

AIM

Henoch-Schonlein purpura (HSP) is a common cause of paediatric renal disease in children, representing 10-15% of paediatric glomerulonephritis. This study examined the long-term outcome of biopsy-proven HSP nephritis to identify correlations between disease development and treatment.

METHODS

Patients from three French centres were retrospectively analysed.

RESULTS

We followed up 142 patients aged from 2 to 10.5 years with HSP nephritis, graded according to the International Study Group of Kidney Disease in Childhood classification. Mean (±SD) age at presentation was 7.6 ± 2.8 years. Nephrotic range proteinuria was present in 28% of patients with Grade II lesions, 60% with Grade III and 90% with Grade IV. Significant proteinuria (>0.5 g/L) was found in nine of 48 patients 3 years after renal biopsy, eight of 25 patients after 5 years and three of 14 patients after 10 years. There was no correlation between the proteinuria risk at 3, 5 or 10 years and the initial histological lesion or treatment modality. Treatment with angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors/angiotensin receptor blockers (ACEi/ARB) was linked to lower proteinuria, especially if it was started precociously.

CONCLUSION

Even mild forms of HSP nephritis risk significant long-term proteinuria. Very early introduction of ACEi/ARB may improve the long-term outcome independent of histological lesions.

Small vessel vasculitis of the skin

Small vessel vasculitis in the skin manifests with palpable purpura on the lower extremities. This clinical presentation prompts a complete physical examination, history, and review of systems, as well as biopsies for routine processing and direct immunofluorescence to confirm the diagnosis. The presence of vasculitis in other organs, associated underlying conditions, and the severity of cutaneous manifestations dictate management. The majority of cases are self-limited, and overall the prognosis is favorable. Still, a subset of patients can have serious complications and chronic or recurrent disease.

Urological Manifestations of Henoch-Schonlein Purpura: A Review

Henoch-Schonlein purpura (HSP) is an immune-mediated systemic vasculitis generally found in children. The standard manifestations of HSP are palpable purpura, arthritis, abdominal pain, and renal complications. Although less common, there are significant urological manifestations associated with HSP. The primary objective of this review is to encourage better understanding and management of HSP by emphasizing the common and rare manifestations of HSP, how they are diagnosed, and the latest treatment options for mild to severe complications. Medline searches of HSP and its urological manifestations were conducted along with searches on current diagnostic and treatment methods. Urological manifestations of HSP involve the kidney, ureter, bladder, prostate, scrotum, testicle, and penis. Diagnosis and management of HSP are not always clear due to differential diagnosis and diversity of symptom presentation. Treatment for HSP is mainly supportive and includes use of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs for pain relief. In more severe cases, glucocorticoids, methylprednisolone, plasmapheresis, and peritoneal and hemodialysis are reported successful. It is important to note different symptoms of HSP in order to distinguish HSP from other diseases. Early diagnosis may prevent severe complications. Treatment options vary from conservative to invasive depending on the severity of the disease and time frame of diagnosis.

An interesting perioperative rendezvous with a case of Henoch-Schonlein purpura

Henoch-Schonlein purpura (HSP) is an autoimmune, multisystem, acute vasculitis of childhood commonly involving the skin, gut, joints and the kidneys. Fatal complications involving various systems can occur in this disease and careful perioperative management is advocated. We report here the occurrence of postoperative bradycardia and the successful perioperative management of a 12-year-old boy with HSP for diagnostic laparoscopy.