What about the Prognosis for Henoch-Schoenlein Purpura(HSP) Nephritis

Henoch-Schoenlein Purpura (HSP) is a vascular allergic disease that is caused by foods, infections or other factors. It obtained its name due to typical presence of purpura on skin and mucosa. The patients commonly experience gastrointestinal bleeding, abdominal angina and joint pains (mostly occur in knees, ankles and wrists). Nephritis occurs when kidneys are involved in by HSP, causing symptoms including hematuria, proteinuria and cylindruria. For those with Henoch-Schoenlein Purpura (HSP), the prognosis largely depends on the pathological type, treatment approach and nursing care measures in the daily life.

What is Henoch-Schoenlein Purpura (HSP) Nephritis?

Henoch-Schoenlein Purpura (HSP) nephritis is a systemic immune-complex mediated disease. Similarly to IgA Nephropathy, deposits of IgA-binding M proteins of group A streptococci were found on Henoch-Schoenlin purpura kidneys. All patients with Henoch-Schoenlein Purpura nephritis have IgA1-circulating immune complexes of small molecules. Deposition of the immune complexes play a key role in the occurrence of HSP, as those will activate the adaptive immune system, trigger inflammations and damage the healthy tissues of the kidneys. Some children with Henoch-Schonlein Purpura nephritis subsequently have an episode or recurrent episodes of macroscopic hematuria, associated with upper respiratory infections. The reason is that infections will exacerbate inflammatory reactions to worse damage of the kidneys as well its clinical presence. It is generally suggested that in mild onset case the prognosis of HSP Nephritis is much better, however, renal condition may get worsened after years. Early and proper treatment is the key to improve prognosis in HSP Nephritis.

What about the prognosis in Henoch-Schonlein Purpura Nephritis?

The first step before starting treatment is to undergo lab examinations for a clear diagnosis.Immunoglobulin and lymphocyte testings are essential in confirming immune status, the type and amounts of immune complexes which are closely associated to the development of the disease. In addition, testing for microalbuminuria, urine IGG, urine GGT, Cyst C, etc will help to detect which part of the kidneys is damaged and the damage degree. After obtaining the specific immune status and kidney condition, doctors will prescribe immunosuppressive medicines which are targeted to quiet the immune system and control the disease. The technique is not easy to be handled----while insufficience of medicines may don’t function effectively to treat the disease, strong immunosuppressive medicines may harm the healthy immune system, reduce immunity and cause certain side effects. The immune suppressive treatment is directed to slow damage of the kidneys and remit symptoms.

Further, immune protection treatment for regulating the immune system and treatment in repairing the kidneys will treat the underlying cause of the disease, improve the damaged kidneys and greatly improve prognosis. Currently, blood plasma exchange which removes immune complexes circulating in bloodstream is applied as an essential tool to remit the immune-complex mediated inflammations and accelerate the recovery process.

In daily life, the patients with Purpura Nephritis also need to get away from all the foods which may induce allergic purpura. Treat the disease scientifically and never loose your confidence. If you or a loved one has HSP and concerned about this disease, you may connect with us directly. Sincerely hope what we do is of help for you!