IgA vasculitis

Purpura, stomach aches, joint pains, maybe blood in the urine? You better be thinking about IgA nephropathy. Learn more

This episode was written by pediatricians Tammy Yau and Lidia Park with content support from Gia Oh (pediatric nephrologist). Pediatricians Tammy and Lidia take full responsibility for any errors or misinformation.

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Key Points:

• IgA vasculitis (formerly known as Henoch-Schonlein purpura/HSP) is a small vessel vasculitis that causes palpable purpura, abdominal pain, arthritis or arthralgias, IgA deposition on biopsy, and/or renal involvement.
• Management is mainly supportive with hydration and pain management. Steroids can be given for severe GI or renal involvement as well as immunosuppressants, plasmapheresis, or transplant if severe renal symptoms.
• IgA vasculitis symptoms typically resolve within 4-6 weeks but 1/3 of patients will have relapse or recurrence within 1 year. Monitoring for renal involvement is important.

Sources

• Reid-Adam, Jessica. Pediatr Rev (2014) 35 (10): 447–449. https://doi.org/10.1542/pir.35-10-447
• AAP Grand Rounds (2005) 14 (6): 65. https://doi.org/10.1542/gr.14-6-65
• AAP Grand Rounds (2022) 47 (4): 42. https://doi.org/10.1542/gr.47-4-42