Determination of Risk Factors in Children Diagnosed With Henoch-Schönlein Purpura

This study aims to evaluate the frequency of skin, gastrointestinal, joint, and renal involvement in children with Henoch-Schönlein purpura and investigate the risk factors for organ/system involvement.

The data of 186 patients (97 boys, 89 girls; mean age 7.4±2.8 years; range 1.5 to 16.5 years) who were followed-up with the diagnosis of Henoch-Schönlein purpura in our clinic between October 2011 and December 2013 were evaluated retrospectively.

Logistic regression analysis revealed that the risk of gastrointestinal system involvement was significantly higher in patients with skin lesions in the upper extremities (p=0.002, odds ratio [OR]=3.2). The risk of joint involvement was significantly higher in girls (p=0.024, OR=2.18), in patients with soft tissue swelling (p=0.005, OR=2.63), and with low mean platelet volume levels (p=0.008, OR=4.07). The risk of renal involvement was significantly higher in girls (p=0.047, OR=2.7), in patients >10 years (p=0.001, OR=1.4), and in patients with elevated C-reactive protein levels (p=0.007, OR=6.57).

Having skin lesions in the upper extremities is a risk factor for gastrointestinal system involvement. Female sex, soft tissue swelling, and low mean platelet volume levels are risk factors for joint involvement. Female sex, >10 years of age, and high C-reactive protein levels are risk factors for renal involvement. Renal involvement in Henoch-Schönlein purpura is independent of gastrointestinal system or joint involvement and very close follow-up is required in the acute period particularly in girls >10 years with high C-reactive protein levels.