Allergic purpura: treatment, prognosis

Treatment of Allergic purpura
While Allergic purpura is generally a mild illness that resolves spontaneously, it can cause serious problems in the kidneys and bowels. The rash can be very prominent, especially on the lower extremities.

The treatment of Allergic purpura is directed toward the most significant area of involvement. Joint pain can be relieved by antiinflammatory medications, such as aspirin or ibuprofen (Motrin). Some patients can require cortisone medications, such as prednisone, especially those with significant abdominal pain or kidney disease.

Patients with severe kidney complications may require a kidney biopsy, cyclophosphamide (Cytoxan) has been used to suppress the immune system. Even after all other symptoms subside, elevated levels of blood or protein in the urine may persist for months and require regular monitoring. Hypertension or kidney failure may develop months or even years after the acute phase of the disease. Kidney failure requires dialysis or transplantation.

Prognosis of Allergic purpura
Allergic purpura is an acute self-limited illness and usually resolves without treatment, but may rarely lead to complications. Initial attacks of Henoch-Schonlein purpura can last several months. One third of patients have one or more recurrences.
Children younger than 3 years have a shorter, milder course and fewer recurrences.
The long-term prognosis of Allergic purpura is directly dependent on the severity of renal involvement.