Clinical Spectrum of Henoch Schonlein Purpura in Adults: A Hospital Based Study

Background and objectives: Henoch Schonlein purpura (HSP) is a small vessel vasculitic disorder common in children and has been extensively studied. Although it is known to also occur in adults there is relative paucity of data as regards to its clinical spectrum, complications and outcome, particularly in Indian context. Hence the study was undertaken with the objective to evaluate the various skin manifestations, systemic complications of HSP in adults and also compare it with data available in children in various published clinical studies. Study design, materials, methods : In this retrospective, observational,hospital-based cohort study conducted at Goa Medical College the premier teaching institute from Goa, clinical data of adult patients (>18 years age) fulfilling the diagnostic criteria as per European League Against Rheumatism (EULAR) 2010 criteria for HSP was obtained, over period of 6 years. All the clinical manifestations, complications, investigations, outcomes were recorded. Skin biopsy histopathology and immunofluorescent test findings were also obtained. The data was analysed and results were compared to the data available in pediatric studies to ascertain the similarities and differences.