Management of Henoch‐Schonlein purpura in a large district general hospital: Five year experience

Abstract

Purpose

The paper's purpose is to document a clinical study of children with Henoch‐Schonlein Purpura that facilitated decision‐making with regard to investigations, follow up and timely referral to a nephrologist.

Design/methodology/approach

A retrospective analysis of clinical records of 33 children diagnosed with Henoch‐Schonlein purpura who attended the Whiston Hospital Paediatric unit over a 60‐month period between January 2001 and December 2005 was performed.

Findings

In the study 53 per cent (n 17) of the patients were boys. The commonest age group affected was between five to ten years (n 17), with mean age of 7.2 years (range 1 to 17 years). Of the cases , 71 per cent (n 22) presented between July and December. Four patients (13 per cent) had haematuria on dipstick examination at presentation. Eight patients (25 per cent) had neither blood pressure measurement on admission nor a documented plan for urine dipstick or blood pressure measurement on discharge. Daily urine dipstick was performed in 47 per cent (n 15) patients with one patient having checks twice a week. Information to parents was not documented in 72 per cent (n 23) of case notes.

Practical implications

The need to provide better parental education and support in the form of an information leaflet was identified.

Originality/value

This study highlights the importance of follow up of children with HSP with emphasis on regular urine dipstick examination and measurement of blood pressure even if they remain asymptomatic to ensure that they do not develop long‐term renal impairment.

Citation

Thattakkat, K., Garr, R. and El‐Badri, A. (2008), "Management of Henoch‐Schonlein purpura in a large district general hospital: Five year experience", Clinical Governance: An International Journal, Vol. 13 No. 2, pp. 106-114. https://doi.org/10.1108/14777270810867302