Henoch-Schonlein Purpura in Children: The Role of Corticosteroids

BACKGROUND: Henoch-schonlein purpura (HSP) is an IgA-mediated systemic small vessel vasculitis. It is the most common form of systemic vasculitis in children. CASE REPORT: A 9 years old girl admitted to the hospital with chief complain of purplish red rash on both legs since approximately 1 week with painful knees and ankles that make the patient unable to walk. The patient was diagnosed with HSP and was treated with corticosteroid and analgesics. The patients only stayed for 2 nights at the hospital and discharged from the hospital with the ability to walk and experience no pain. CONCLUSION: The role of corticosteroids in the treatment of HSP is still controversial. But from various research, we can conclude that the role of corticosteroid in HSP is as a symptom reliever (reduce abdominal pain and arthritis), but does not slow the progression of renal disease.