Henoch-Schonlein Purpura (HSP)

Most HSP patients do not require any specific treatment.

• Steroids are indicated for patients with severe skin rash, hand/foot swelling and bowel symptoms.
• Steroid sparing drugs are used very rarely, only for severe kidney involvement or recurrent disease.

How long will the disease last?
The entire course of the disease is about 4 to 6 weeks. Half of the children with HSP have at least one recurrence within a 6-week period. Most patients recover completely. New infections may trigger a recurrence of the HSP.

What kinds of periodic check-ups are necessary?
Your doctors may ask for repeat urine tests and blood pressure measurement, and will advise on the frequency of check-ups and urine test.

How to collect the clean midstream urine sample?

• Hydrate prior to urine collection.
• If menses has already occurred, the ideal collection date is 2 weeks after the first day of the last period.
• Clean genital area with soap and water and dry well.
• Female: Dry from front to back
• Male: Retract the foreskin if present and clean the head of the penis thoroughly.
• Pass a little urine into the toilet. Then, hold the specimen container to ‘clean catch’ urine sample.