Henoch-Schönlein purpura medical therapy

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Editor-In-Chief: C. Michael Gibson, M.S., M.D. [1]

Medical therapy

Most patients do not receive therapy because of the high spontaneous recovery rate. Steroids are generally avoided. However, if they are given early in the disease episode, the duration of symptoms may be shortened, although abdominal pain does not improve significantly. Moreover, the changes of severe kidney problems are reduced.

Evidence of worsening kidney damage would normally prompt a kidney biopsy. Treatment may be indicated on the basis of the appearance of the biopsy sample; various treatments may be used, ranging from oral steroids to a combination of intravenous methylprednisolone (a potent steroid), cyclophosphamide and dipyridamole followed by prednisone. Other regimens include steroids or azathioprine, and steroids or cyclophosphamide (with or without heparin and warfarin). Intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIG) is occasionally used.