OBJECTIVETo explore the clinical characteristics of Henoch-Schönlein purpura (HSP) in children.

METHODSThe clinical data of 325 hospitalized children who were diagnosed with HSP between June 2012 and June 2014 were analyzed retrospectively.

RESULTSIn the 325 children with HSP, the incidence of HSP was higher in winter and spring, with 33.9% and 27.4%, respectively. Infection was the major factor to induce HSP (57.2%). The incidence of renal damage in children with purpura accompanied by abdominal symptoms and children with purpura accompanied by abdominal and joint symptoms was 60.3% and 48.9%, respectively, with statistically significant differences compared with children with purpura alone (P<0.05). In 32 children with purpura nephritis, the pathological grades of IIIa and IIIb were more common, accounting for 28% and 31%, respectively. In 325 children, an increased serum D-dimer level was observed in 260 children (80.0%), an increased peripheral IgA content in 101 children (46.3%), and a decreased CD4+ cell percentage in 62 children (56.4%).

CONCLUSIONSA high incidence of HSP is often seen in spring and winter. HSP is often induced by upper respiratory tract infection. Renal damage is more likely to occur in children with digestive tract symptoms, with IIIa and IIIb as the common pathological grades of renal damage.