Children's Hospital Colorado
Kidney

Henoch-Schonlein Purpura (HSP)

We treat kids like they should be treated: like kids. That’s why we designed our hospital just for them.

Best Children's Hospital by U.S. News & World Report Nephrology 2021-2 Badge

Get Care

Would you like to learn more about us?
checked box icon Kidney Department
Are you ready to schedule an appointment?
calendar icon Schedule an appointment
Do you have questions about your child’s condition?
Call

What is Henoch-Schonlein Purpura (HSP)?

Henoch-Schonlein Purpura (HSP) is a disease of inflammation of blood vessels, also known as vasculitis. The inflammation of the blood vessels under the skin causes a painful rash, in addition to stomach and joint pain.

Henoch and Schonlein are the names of the doctors who first described this condition and "purpura" is the name of the type of skin rash that first brings the disease to your attention.

What causes HSP?

The inflammation of blood vessels under the skin is what causes the rash and painful aches in joints and other organs in the body, especially the kidneys. The filters in your kidneys (called glomeruli) are actually very complicated blood vessels.

Glomerulonephritis is the disease of the kidney filters. In this case, the cause of the glomerulonephritis is the HSP, or vasculitis. As is the case with any form of glomerulonephritis, when HSP affects the kidneys, blood leaks from the filters (glomeruli) into the urine (hematuria). If the condition is more severe, protein leaks too.

Who gets HSP?

Anyone can get HSP or vasculitis. If you think your child has HSP, see your pediatrician or family doctor. A kidney specialist for kids, called a pediatric nephrologist, may consult with your doctor and treat serious cases.

Next steps

  • Would you like to learn more about us?

    Learn more about the Kidney Department
  • Do you have questions about your child’s condition?

    720-777-6263
  • Are you ready to schedule an appointment?

    Schedule an appointment

Compassionate care, wherever you are

We’re here when you need us. Telehealth appointments are available across every specialty, so you can get the high-quality care we’ve always offered from the comfort, privacy and convenience of home.

See if telehealth is right for you

 

Get to know our pediatric experts.

Vivian Shih, MD

Vivian Shih, MD

Nephrology - Pediatric, Pediatrics

Melisha Hanna, MD

Melisha Hanna, MD

Nephrology - Pediatric, Pediatrics

Patient ratings and reviews are not available Why?

Bradley Dixon, MD

Bradley Dixon, MD

Nephrology - Pediatric, Pediatrics

Patient ratings and reviews are not available Why?

Margret Bock, MD

Margret Bock, MD

Nephrology - Pediatric, Pediatrics

Patient ratings and reviews are not available Why?