Henoch Schonlein Purpura

Diagnosing HSP

Source: NHS

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Your GP maysuspect HSP based onyour symptoms and medical history. To confirm a diagnosis, you may need to be referred to a hospital doctor for the following tests:

  • blood tests to see how well the kidneys are working, or to look for recent signs of infection
  • urine dipstick test this is used to detect traces of blood or protein in the urine, as these are signs of a problem with the kidneys
  • blood pressure tests high blood pressure can also be a sign that the kidneys are affected
  • skin biopsy a very small sample of skin is sent to the laboratory to be examined under a microscope(this is only usually done if the doctor is not certain whether it is HSP)

If kidney problems are suspected, an ultrasound scan of your tummy and kidneys may also be carried out and you may have a kidney biopsy. This is where a small sample of kidney cells are removed using a needle that is inserted into your lower back.

Articles for Henoch Schonlein Purpura

Diagnosing HSP

Your GP maysuspect HSP based onyour symptoms and medical history. To confirm a diagnosis, you may need to be referred to a hospital doctor for the following tests: blood tests to see how well t

Follow-up

Due to the risk of kidney problems, you or your child's urine and blood pressure will need to be tested regularly during and after treatment. This may be done during trips to your GP or visits from a

Introduction

Henoch-Schnlein purpura (HSP) is a rare condition in which blood vessels become inflamed. It typically results in a rash and joint and tummy pain.

Outlook

HSP usually gets better on its own within about four to six weeksand doesn't generally cause any lasting problems. However, the condition can sometimes be severe and long-lasting particularly in adul

Possible complications

HSP will usually get better on its own without causing any further problems, but occasionally it can lead to potentially serious complications. The main complications associated with HSP are problems

Signs andsymptoms

The main symptoms of HSP are: a skin rash (purpura) that looks like small bruises or reddish-purple spots, usually on the buttocks, around the elbows and on the legs, and sometimes also on the

Treating HSP

HSP is not usually serious. Most people can be treated at home with only occasional appointments to monitor the condition, although in severe cases admission to hospital may be necessary. The rash, j

What causes HSP?

HSP is caused by a problem with your immune system, possibly as a result of a previous infection. Ithas been known to occur after a bacterial or viral infection of thethroat, airways or lungs ( respi