Abstract

SOUSA, Patrícia; OLIVEIRA, Susana Correia de; DIAS, Ângela  and  TAVARES, Cláudia. Immunoglobulin A vasculitis (Henoch-Schönlein purpura) in children - A Literature Review. Nascer e Crescer [online]. 2023, vol.32, n.3, pp.205-213.  Epub Sep 30, 2023. ISSN 0872-0754.  https://doi.org/10.25753/birthgrowthmj.v32.i3.27759.

Immunoglobulin A vasculitis (IgAV) is a small-vessel vasculitis that primarily affects children. Major manifestations include purpuric rash, proteinuria/hematuria, arthralgia, and abdominal pain. In this article, the authors review data on the epidemiology, diagnosis, and treatment of IgAV in children.

IgAV affects 10 to 56 children per 100,000 per year. The mean age at presentation is six years. Both genetic and environmental factors contribute to its pathogenesis, but the deposition of immune complexes containing abnormal glycosylated immunoglobulin (Ig) A1 plays a predominant role.

The course of the disease is usually benign and supportive care is sufficient. Short-term complications are mostly related to gastrointestinal involvement, including the risk of perforation and bleeding. Long-term morbidity is due to chronic kidney disease and hypertension. Corticosteroids are not recommended for prevention of renal involvement, but may be useful as a treatment strategy, as well as more aggressive immunosuppressive drugs.

Keywords : child; diagnosis; epidemiology; IgA vasculitis; physiopathology; therapy.

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