Long term prognosis of Henoch-Schonlein purpura

Different rates and severity of renal involvement in Henoch-Schonlein purpura have been reported in the literature. We assessed renal involvement during initial the attack in 107 children, over a 20 year period and re- evaluated 64 of them after an interval of 4 to 24 years. Thirty-one patients (29%) were found to have initial renal involvement of whom only 1 (0.9%) suffered from nephrotic syndrome. Although 2 patients (3%) at follow up had evidence of residual renal damage (microhematuria), none suffered from severe damage. We have no explanation of the less severe renal involvement of Henoch-Schonlein purpura in Israel. Perhaps local and undetermined etiological factors affect prognosis.