Henoch-Schonlein Purpura (HSP)

Transcription

1 Southend University Hospital NHS Foundation Trust Patient Information Service Women and children s business unit Henoch-Schonlein Purpura (HSP) SOU4254_110974_0518_V1.indd 1 31/05/ :34

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3 What is HSP? HSP is a systemic vasculitis where small blood vessels become inflamed and damaged. This produces a rash on the skin. HSP can develop following either a viral or bacterial infection such as a cold or chest infection. HSP is non contagious. HSP is most common in children aged two to eleven years and more common in boys. What are the symptoms? Symptoms can occur over days or weeks and usually starts with a widespread rash mainly on the back of the legs, buttocks, trunk or back. The rash is usually a purple-red colour that doesn t turn white when pushed. This is due to inflammation of the blood vessels which can cause bleeding into the skin. Other symptoms could be swollen, painful joints, stomach and abdominal pain. In boys scrotal pain maybe present. Sometimes you may notice some blood in the stools if this happens contact the hospital or your community nurse. If your child complains of any abdominal pain it maybe because HSP can cause diarrhoea or constipation, this may also be linked with vomiting or nausea. If this happens monitor your child but if symptoms persist consult medical advice. In severe cases of HSP there can be kidney involvement, this can be indicated by having blood or protein in the urine. 1 SOU4254_110974_0518_V1.indd 1 31/05/ :34

4 How is it diagnosed? There are no specific tests to diagnose HSP, medical staff will usually do a blood pressure and collect a urine sample to test for blood or protein. In some cases bloods will be taken to look at inflammatory markers. Treatment given There is not much in the way of treatment, just making sure that the child gets plenty of rest. Symptoms usually go away within a couple of weeks. For those that suffer from abdominal pain doctors may consider steroids if they think that the pain is down to kidney involvement, the steroids will help to prevent any damage to the kidneys. Parents/carers are asked to check their child s first urine of the day and should have been taught this prior to discharge from hospital. Parents/carers may be asked to do this so that blood and protein can be monitored in the urine. If there is a large trace of both you will be asked to seek medical advice. 2 SOU4254_110974_0518_V1.indd 2 31/05/ :34

5 If the blood pressure in the hospital was on the high side your child will be referred to the paediatric community nurses who will continue to monitor this in the community. This is only sometimes needed. Whilst your child is recovering you may want to give Ibuprofen as it acts as an anti-inflammatory which will help with the joint pain/swelling. This can also be given alongside Paracetomol for pain relief. Aftercare Overall HSP doesn t cause long term problems and most children will make a full recovery in the following months. Relapses can occur but are usually milder than the first episode. For the children that have had kidney involvement they may need to be followed up in outpatient clinics, this is due to the fact that renal involvement is usually present up to six months or longer following diagnosis. 3 SOU4254_110974_0518_V1.indd 3 31/05/ :34

6 More information Henoch-Schonlein Purpura support group Telephone Vasculitis UK Telephone Website Lauren Carrie Twilight Foundation Website Great Ormond Street Hospital Website 4 SOU4254_110974_0518_V1.indd 4 31/05/ :34

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8 For a translated, large print or audio tape version of this document please contact: Patient Advice & Liaison Service (PALS) Southend University Hospital NHS Foundation Trust Prittlewell Chase Westcliff-on-Sea Essex, SS0 0RY Telephone: Fax: pals@southend.nhs.uk Southend University Hospital NHS Foundation Trust Patient Information Service If this leaflet does not answer all of your questions, or if you have any other concerns please contact your GP surgery or call NHS 111 for further advice. NHS 111 service is the NHS non-emergency number. It s fast, easy and free. Call 111 to speak to a highly trained adviser, supported by healthcare professionals. NHS 111 is available 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. Calls are free from landlines and mobile phones. Written by Susan Cornwell Reviewed and revised May 2018 Leaflet due for revision May 2020 Form No. SOU4254 Version 2 SOU4254_110974_0518_V1.indd 6 31/05/ :34