Petechiae, Purpura and Vasculitis

Henoch-Schonlein Purpura
• Henoch-Schönlein Purpura (HSP) is the most common
form of systemic vasculitis in children
– Characterized by palpable purpura (vasculitis), arthritis,
abdominal pain and kidney disease
• Primarily a childhood disease (between ages 3-15), but
adults can also be affected
• HSP follows a seasonal pattern with a peak in incidence
during the winter presumably due to association with a
preceding viral or bacterial (streptococcal pharyngitis)
infection
• Other bacterial infections, drugs, food and lymphoma
may cause HSP
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