Question
A three-year-old child has been diagnosed with allergic purpura, showing red spots, abdominal pain, and joint swelling. What are the effects of allergic purpura on children?
Answer
Allergic purpura, also known as Henoch-Schönlein syndrome, is a systemic vasculitis characterized by primarily small vessel inflammation. It is commonly seen in children aged 2 to 8 years, with a higher incidence in males. Symptoms are typically acute and include skin purpura, gastrointestinal and joint symptoms, as well as kidney damage. Approximately 30% to 60% of cases show clinical manifestations of kidney damage, usually occurring within one month of onset. Symptoms can vary in severity, with most presenting with hematuria, proteinuria, and casts, accompanied by hypertension and edema, known as purpuric nephritis. However, most cases can recover completely. The course of the disease usually lasts from 1 to 2 weeks to 1 to 2 months, with a few cases lasting longer. Renal involvement is often more persistent, lasting for several months or years, with about 1% developing into chronic nephropathy. This is a common condition that can be treated in most hospitals.