Abstract
Henoch-Schönlein purpura (HSP) is one of the most common vasculitides of childhood. The diagnosis is based on the clinical symptomatology that includes a typical pattern of palpable cutaneous purpura, joint involvement, renal and gastrointestinal symptoms, and less often also involvement of other organs.
From the point of view of the treatment, corticosteroids have proven effective in reducing the duration and severity of gastrointestinal and joint symptoms, but not adequately effective in the prevention and treatment of nephritis. Uniform guidelines for the treatment of HSP and HSP nephritis have not been available yet.
Based on the gained experience, renin-angiotensin system inhibitors, fish oil, immunosuppressants, plasmapheresis and tonsillectomy are used in the treatment of HSP nephritis.