Question

What tests are needed to diagnose pediatric allergic purpura?

Answer

  1. Hematology tests: Platelet count may be normal or decreased, with normal bleeding time, clotting time, and blood clot retraction time. Some children may have a total white blood cell count of up to 20.0×10^9/L, with an increased erythrocyte sedimentation rate.
  2. Microbiological tests: C-reactive protein may be elevated, and anti-streptolysin may be positive. Throat cultures may show β-hemolytic streptococcus.
  3. Immunological tests: More than half of the children may have a decrease in acute-phase serum IgA and IgM.
  4. Children with gastrointestinal symptoms such as abdominal pain may have a positive occult blood test in their stool.