Henoch-Schönlein purpura is an acute, systemic, immune complex-mediated, leukocytoclastic vasculitis. It is characterized by a triad of palpable purpura (without thrombocytopenia), abdominal pain, and arthritis. Most patients have an antecedent upper respiratory illness.
What makes purpura palpable?
Palpable purpura is classically associated with leukocytoclastic vasculitis, an inflammatory process injuring the vessel. Histopathologically, fibrin deposition in vessel walls, neutrophilic debris, and perivascular lymphocytes are present. Palpable purpura also can occur with S.
How is Henoch Schonlein purpura diagnosed?
HSP is usually diagnosed based on the typical skin, joint, and kidney findings.
- Throat culture, urinalysis, and blood tests for inflammation and kidney function are used to suggest the diagnosis.
- A biopsy of the skin, and less commonly kidneys, can be used to demonstrate vasculitis.
Can petechiae be palpable?
Petechiae larger than 0.5 cm are purpura. Sometimes these lesions will be raised (palpable). Palpable petechiae and purpura are a result of either perivascular inflammation (vasculitis) or infection. Non-palpable petechiae usually occur in low platelet states such as ITP and DIC.
Is HSP autoimmune?
HSP is an autoimmune disease that is often triggered by an upper respiratory infection. Symptoms include a rash caused by bleeding under the skin, arthritis, belly pain, and kidney disease. Most children recover fully.
Is Henoch Schonlein Purpura a Type 3 hypersensitivity?
Henoch-Schönlein purpura (HSP) is a common systemic vasculitis in children. Animal models of HSP are needed to better understand the mechanism of HSP. Here, we investigated hematologic and immunologic profiles in HSP rat and rabbit models. Models were established with ovalbumin (OVA) based on type III hypersensitivity.
How do you treat palpable purpura?
Many cases of palpable purpura are idiopathic and self-limited. When treatment is necessary, dapsone, colchicine or systemic corticosteroids are useful drugs.
What causes ecchymosis?
Ecchymosis is usually caused by an injury, such as a bump, blow, or fall. This impact may cause a blood vessel to burst open leaking blood under the skin, creating a bruise. While bruises are very common and affect almost everyone, women tend get them more easily than others do.
Is HSP a lifelong disease?
In most children, the symptoms and signs of HSP go away within one month, though some children will have problems for three months or even longer. The purpura on the skin disappears – and usually does not leave any scars – and the joint pain and tummy pain go away. This is called remission.
What does palpable purpura look like?
A variety of rashes, the most classic of which is “palpable purpura” –purplish–red spots, usually found on the legs. These spots can usually be felt by the examiner’s fingertips, hence the descriptor “palpable”. This is a classic example of palpable purpura.
What are well known diseases that are resulted from type III immune complex deposition?
Some of the complications associated with Type III hypersensitivity reaction include:
- Serum Sickness.
- Hypersensitivity Pneumonitis.
- SLE.
- Post streptococcal Glomerulonephritis.
What are the characteristics of purpura fulminans in bacterial meningococcemia?
Lesions are generally characterized by maplike purpuric or necrotic areas. Hemorrhages may appear on the buccal mucosa and the conjunctivae. Less frequently, fulminant meningococcemia presents as purpura fulminans (see the image below). In rare cases, no skin lesions develop.
What’s new in meningococcemia?
A new orphan product used for the prevention and treatment of purpura fulminans in Meningococcemia is being developed by Immuno Clinical Research Corp. of New York. The name of the new product is Protein C Concentrate (Protein C Concentrate (Human) Vapor Heated, Immuno).
What are the signs and symptoms of meningococcal infection (meningococcus infections)?
Eventually, a skin eruption or some other manifestation of meningococcal disease appears during a febrile episode. Cutaneous manifestations are variable and can consist of rose-colored macules and papules, indurated nodules, petechiae, purpura, or large hemorrhagic areas.
When is histopathologic evaluation indicated in the evaluation of palpable purpura?
Appropriate evaluation of patients with palpable purpura should always include histopathologic evaluation to confirm the diagnosis.
