[Schoenlein-Henoch syndrome in adults--current aspects].

Abstract

Schoenlein-Henoch purpura is characterized clinically by palpable purpura, mainly on the legs, with varying degrees of gastrointestinal, articular and renal involvement. Renal involvement is often more severe in the adult than in children and it often determines the outcome of the disease. Schoenlein-Henoch purpura is also characterized by an IgA-vasculitis, which may be triggered by several non-specific antigenic factors. Its pathogenesis is still unclear, but a dysfunction of the IgA immune system has been demonstrated. We discuss the anatomo-clinical, therapeutic and etiopathogenic aspects of this syndrome according to today's knowledge.