Family history of autoimmune disease leading to a protracted disease course of Henoch-Schonlein Purpura

[SEE DIACRITIC] Henoch-Schonlein Purpura: It is a non-thrombocytopenic, purpuric and systemic vasculitis of childhood. It is the most common systemic vasculitis of children between the ages of 2 and 10. It produces a constellation of symptoms including a purpuric rash on the lower extremities, abdominal pain, renal involvement, and arthritis. The outcome is typically very good with supportive care, but some cases may lead to long term morbidity, complications, and even death. The data on patient populations with this disease in the United States is rare, with most of the existing studies having been completed in Europe and the Middle East. While this study is ongoing, the purpose of the study is to determine if a family history of autoimmune disease is a significant factor in developing Henoch-Schonlein Purpura, and how that affects the disease course including presence of complications.Lauren Lester (1), Anjali Patwardhan, M.D.(2) ; (1) Medical Student, University of Missouri School of Medicine at Columbia, MO, 65201. (2) Child Health Department, University of Missouri Hospital, MO, 65201