Schonlein henochova purpura
This can sometimes mimic testicular torsion and requires careful evaluation.
Laboratory Investigations of Henoch-Schönlein Purpura (HSP)
While there isn’t a single definitive diagnostic lab test for Henoch-Schönlein purpura (HSP), certain investigations can help support the clinical diagnosis, assess the extent of organ involvement, and rule out other conditions.
Blood Tests
- Complete Blood Count (CBC): Typically, the platelet count is normal, which is crucial in differentiating Henoch-Schönlein purpura from thrombocytopenic purpuras like immune thrombocytopenia (ITP).
Electrolyte imbalances may also occur in cases of significant renal disease. These tests should be monitored regularly, especially if urinalysis shows abnormalities.
- Serum IgA Levels: Serum IgA levels are often elevated in patients with Henoch-Schönlein purpura, particularly during the acute phase.
Surgical intervention is necessary if non-surgical methods fail or if there are signs of bowel ischemia or perforation.
- Gastrointestinal Bleeding: Management depends on the severity. Swelling around the hand and wrist . Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2025:chap 92.
Sunderkötter CH, Zelger B, Chen KR, et al.
The most common renal manifestation is microscopic hematuria.[9] Severe proteinuria may present as nephrotic syndrome, and patients with persistent proteinuria are at high risk of developing progressive glomerulonephritis. Presently, the skin of his leg was all over full of bloody points” (purpura). Skin manifestations are more variable in adults, and sometimes symptoms in adults endure longer [Figure 1, 2].
Figure 1.
However, all four elements of this tetrad are not required for diagnosis. Joint pain may improve with NSAIDs such as naproxen. 7th ed. The rash may also be itchy.
Figure 11. Mild bleeding may resolve with supportive care. It is unclear why this occurs.
The syndrome is mostly seen in children between ages 3 and 15 years, but it may be seen in adults.
If symptoms do not go away, you may be prescribed a corticosteroid medicine such as prednisone.
The disease most often gets better on its own. 2017 Nov 15;97(10):1160-1166. Potential complications include:
Renal Failure
Proteinuria
Hematuria
Nephrotic syndrome
Intussusception
Gastrointestinal bleeding
Bowel infarction
Bowel perforation
CNS bleeding
Seizures
Neuropathy
Pleural effusion
Pulmonary hemorrhage
Testicular torsion
Consultations
Patients who present with nephritic syndrome, nephrotic syndrome, hematuria, or rapidly worsening proteinuria should be urgently referred to a pediatric nephrologist.[15]
Deterrence and Patient Education
Patients should be educated that the symptoms will likely resolve within weeks but may recur.
It is not intended to be a substitute for informed professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. The primary differences are that IgAV with nephritis is more likely to first occur in children younger than 15, while IgA nephropathy usually has an onset in patients older than 15.