Clinical Reference Systems: Pediatric Advisor 10.0
Anaphylactoid Purpura
Description
Anaphylactoid purpura (also called Henoch-Schoenlein
purpura) is an illness that can involve many different
organs in the body.
The cause of this illness is not completely understood.
Researchers believe that there is some inflammation
(swelling) in the blood vessels, which causes symptoms. The
illness is often seen in children who have had a viral upper
respiratory infection (a cold) a few weeks earlier. The
antibodies produced by the child's body to fight the cold
may contribute to development of the illness.
Symptoms
Anaphylactoid purpura can occur with some or all of the
following symptoms:
- Rash: The rash is often located on the buttocks and
legs. The rash may first look like hives, but usually it
changes to purplish or brownish bruises within 1 to 2
days. There is always some rash on the ankles.
- Painful swelling of the joints: The joints most often
affected by pain are the knees and ankles. The joint
pain may be severe enough to make you child unable or
unwilling to walk.
- Abdominal pain: If your child has severe abdominal pain
or blood in his or her stools, the doctor may need to do
tests to rule out other, more serious causes of these
symptoms.
- Fever
- Blood in the urine.
Home Care
There is no medicine that can cure this illness. There is
also no way known to predict who will get anaphylactoid
purpura and there is no way to prevent it. The illness may
last for several months and the symptoms may come and go
during this time. The older your child is, the more likely
it is that he or she will experience the symptoms again.
Your child will eventually get better on his or her own.
Until then, you can treat your child's symptoms.
- Anti-inflammatory medications
The best and safest medication to give to help with the
pain and inflammation of swollen joints is ibuprofen
(for example, Advil or Motrin). Use the same dose you
use to treat your child's fever. Do not use aspirin.
Acetaminophen (for example, Tylenol) may help with the
pain, but it will not relieve swelling and inflammation.
- Steroid medications
Your child's doctor may prescribe a steroid medication,
such as prednisone, to reduce inflammation in the
intestine. The steroid may help control pain and
intestinal bleeding.
- Fluids
Encourage your child to drink plenty of fluids and to
eat a normal diet as much as is possible.
Follow-Up
Most children recover from anaphylactoid purpura completely
and have no further problems. Rarely, however, the kidneys
can be affected. It is important for your child to see a
doctor for blood pressure checks and urine tests every 1 to
2 months over the next 2 years.
Call Your Child's Physician IMMEDIATELY If:
- Your child develops a fever and the purplish rash.
- Your child's abdominal pain is getting more severe, or
there is more blood in your child's bowel movements.
- Your child is refusing to eat or drink.
- Your child has not urinated in over 12 hours.
- Your child begins to look puffy, especially around the
face or eyes.
- Your child's urine has blood in it.
- Your child is acting very sick.
Call Your Child's Physician During Office Hours If:
- You have other questions or concerns.
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