Henoch-Schonlein purpura in Chinese children and adults

From 1987 to 1996, we retrospectively analyzed 84 children and 38 adults admitted to Chang Gung Memorial Hospital with the diagnosis of Henoch-Schonlein purpura (HSP). All of the adult patients had skin biopsy finding showing leukocytoclastic vasculitis. Male predominance was noted in children, but not in adults. Preceding infection was noted in 40.5% of children and 31.6% of the adults (P = 0.46). 8.3% of children and 13.2% of adults had medication intake at disease onset (P = 0.62). Children had more frequent abdominal pain than the adults (70.2% vs 28.9%, P < 0.01). Renal involvement was more common and severe in adults, manifested as more frequent hypertension (P < 0.05) and heavy proteinuria (P < 0.01). During acute attack, leukocytosis, thrombocytosis, elevation of serum C-reactive protein levels were more frequently observed in children, while elevated serum IgA and cryoglobulin levels were more common in adults. The overall prognosis was good in both age groups, although two adults developed end stage renal disease. Our study demonstrated the different expression of HSP in Chinese children and adults.