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Henoch-Schölein purpura is a vasculitis (inflammation of the blood vessels) which usually involves skin, intestines and/or kidneys.
The cause is unknown. It is an autoimmune disease because IgA antibodies are deposited in the skin, joints, vessels of the intestines and kidneys.
The most common symptomare is a palpable, symmetrical red-purplish rash on legs and/or buttocks, pain in one or more joints, and abdominal pain. Symptoms may last between 10 days and 6 weeks.
The diagnosis is usually clinical through reviewing the patient's medical history and a complete physical examination.
There isn't any specific treatment and, in most cases, it disappears on its own. Analgesic and antiinflammatory treatment may be used for joint pain.
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- Calvo-Río V, Loricera J, Mata C, et al. Henoch-Schönlein purpura in northern Spain: clinical spectrum of the disease in 417 patients from a single center. Medicine (Baltimore) 2014; 93:106.
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Dr. Maria Trabazo
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