Rheumatology Flashcards
What are the causes of a non-blanching purpuric rash in children?
- henoch-schonlein purpura
- ITP
- meningitis
- following viral infection
- haemolytic uraemic syndrome
What is henoch-schonlein purpura (HSP)?
IgA vasculitis
Inflammation occurs in affected organs due to IgA deposits.
Which organs does henoch-schonlein purpura affect?
Skin
Kidneys
GI tract
What can precipitate HSP?
URTI
Gastroenteritis
What ages is HSP most common?
Children <10 years
What are the 4 classic features of HSP?
- purpuric rash (100%)
- arthralgia/arthritis (75%)
- abdominal pain (50%)
- renal involvement, IgA nephritis (50%)
What causes the purpuric rash?
Inflammation and leaking of blood from small blood vessels under the skin, forming purpura.
Purpura are red-purple lumps under the skin containing blood.
Where is the purpura mostly found in HSP?
Typically start on the legs; spread to the buttocks
Can also affect the trunk and arms.
In severe cases of HSP what skin changes can occur?
Skin ulceration and necrosis
What joints are most commonly affected in HSP?
Knees
Ankles
Become swollen, painful, reduced ROM
In severe cases of HSP, what GI involvment can occur?
- gastrointestinal haemorrhage
- intussusception
- bowel infarction
What is present in IgA nephritis?
- haematuria
- proteinuria
What is recorded on the urine dipstick that would indicate the child has developed nephrotic syndrome in HSP?
- 2+ protein
Will also have a degree of oedema
What serious pathology should be ruled out in investigations for HSP?
- meningococcal septicaemia
- leukaemia
- ITP
- haemolytic uraemic syndrome
What investigations should be done for HSP?
- FBC, blood film (thrombocytopenia, sepsis, leukaemia)
- renal profile (kidney involvement)
- serum albumin (nephrotic syndrome)
- CRP (sepsis)
- blood cultures (sepsis)
- urine dipstick (proteinuria)
- urine protein:creatinine ratio (quantify proteinuria)
- BP (HTN)