Henoch-Schonlein Purpura (HSP)
or
Anaphylactoid Purpura

Medical Author: William C. Shiel Jr., MD, FACP, FACR
Medical Editor: Dennis Lee, MD

• What is Henoch-Schonlein purpura (HSP)?
• What causes HSP?
• What are symptoms of HSP?
• How is HSP diagnosed?
• What is the treatment for HSP?
• What is the prognosis for patients with HSP?
• Henoch-Schonlein Purpura At A Glance

What is Henoch-Schonlein purpura (HSP)?

Henoch-Schonlein purpura (HSP or anaphylactoid purpura) is a form of blood vessel inflammation or vasculitis. There are many different conditions that feature vasculitis. Each of the forms of vasculitis tends to involve certain characteristic blood vessels. HSP affects the small arterial vessels called capillaries in the skin and frequently the kidneys. HSP results in skin rash (most prominent over the buttocks and behind the lower extremities associated with joint inflammation (arthritis) and sometimes cramping pain in the abdomen.

What causes HSP?

HSP occurs most often in the spring and frequently follows an infection of the throat or breathing passages. HSP seems to represent an unusual reaction of the body's immune system that is in response to this infection (either bacteria or virus). Aside from infection, drugs can also trigger the condition. HSP occurs most commonly in children, but people of all age groups can be affected.

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