Henoch Schonlein Purpura in Childhood: Epidemiological and Clinical Analysis of 150 Cases Over a 5-year Period and Review of Literature

Epidemiological and clinical findings in our cohort are similar to those in the literature, even though the mean disease duration was shorter than previously reported. Relapses occurred significantly more frequently in children treated with CS. This finding supports the recommendation to limit the use of steroids to a carefully selected group of HSP children. The prognosis was excellent; although severe nephropathy was found in a small percentage of the children, at follow-up all had normal renal function. Thus, our study confirms the benignity of HSP in Italian children, especially regarding renal outcome.