Prognosis for Henoch-Schӧnlein Purpura (HSP)

Henoch-Schӧnlein Purpura (HSP) is a common micro capillary hemorrhagic disorder. The prognosis for this disease varies from case to case. As the disease can involve damages in multiple body systems, such as skin, kidneys, joints and gastrointestinal tract, the prognosis for this disease will be greatly affected based on the severity of complications and how well the disease is treated.

What is Henoch-Schӧnlein Purpura (HSP)?

Henoch-Schӧnlein Purpura (HSP) is a systemic vasculitis and is characterized by deposition of immune complexes containing the antibody IgA. Typically, the disease causes palpable purpura on skin often with joint and abdominal pains. With a kidney involvement, there may be a loss of small amounts of blood and protein in the urine. HSP is suspected when the characteristic rah occurs, and to make the diagnosis, further blood and urine tests are often needed.

What about the Prognosis of Henoch-Schӧnlein Purpura (HSP)?

The overall prognosis is good for most patients. In children younger than ten, the condition recurs in about one third of all cases and usually within the first months after the initial onset. It is also proven that older children have a higher relapse rate than younger children.

Kidney involvement can affect the prognosis of Henoch-Schӧnlein Purpura (HSP). Adult onset patients with kidney disorder are more likely to progress to end-stage kidney disease (ESRD). If kidney condition worsens, a kidney biopsy will be done to tell the severity of the disease and risks of progression. The number of glomerulis is an important indicator as to whether the disease may deteriorate into chronic kidney failure.

As for treatment of Henoch-Schӧnlein Purpura (HSP), some immunosuppressive drugs are used and this may help to control the disease, although in some cases the patients experience certain side effects resulting from the medicine. Blood plasma exchange which has been proven effective in removing the immune complexes in bloodstream and helping to treat rid the disease therapeutically. The patients who suffer from Henoch-Schӧnlein Purpura (HSP) and combined refractory kidney disease can treat their injured kidneys and improving their prognosis by combination use of western medicines and traditional Chinese medicines.