Gastrointestinal and renal involvement in vasculitis: management strategies in Henoch-Schönlein purpura.

ABSTRACT

The joint pain, inflammation, and painful cutaneous edema of Henoch-Schölein purpura (HSP) are effectively treated with analgesics, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory agents, and corticosteroids, but the optimal management of HSP-associated gastrointestinal and renal involvement has not yet been determined. The results of mostly anecdotal and uncontrolled studies favor a short course of oral corticosteroids for severe abdominal pain and aggressive immunosuppressive therapy for patients with progressive HSP nephritis.