Anaphylactoid Purpura Admission Information and Discharge Instructions

What is anaphylactoid purpura?

Anaphylactoid purpura is an inflammation of blood vessels. This inflammation can happen in any organ or blood vessel, but the rash caused by leaking blood vessels is easiest to see and feel on the skin. The official disease name is Henoch-Schoenlein purpura (HSP).

What is the cause?

The cause of this illness is not known, but there is a trigger in the body that causes inflammation (swelling) in the blood vessels. Triggers may include a recent cold, allergic reaction to medicines, insect bites, cold, chemicals, or certain foods.

It affects children age 3 to 17 years old. HSP is not an inherited disease. It is not contagious and cannot be prevented.

Why was my child admitted to the hospital?

Main complication: ________________________________________.

__ Needs IV fluids.

__ Needs IV antibiotic or other medication.

__ Other reasons: _________________________________________.

What are the requirements for discharge?

• _______________________________________________________
• _______________________________________________________
• _______________________________________________________

How can I take care of my child at home?

• Anti-inflammatory medications

  The best and safest medicine to give to help with the pain and inflammation is ibuprofen (Advil or Motrin). Use the same dose you use to treat your child's fever. Do not use aspirin. Acetaminophen (Tylenol) may help with the pain, but it will not relieve swelling and inflammation. Your child's dose of ibuprofen is ____ mg every 6 to 8 hours as needed for pain or swelling.

• Steroid medications

  Your child's healthcare provider may prescribe a steroid medication, such as prednisone, to reduce inflammation in the intestine or other organs. The steroid may help control pain and intestinal bleeding. Your child's steroid medicine is _____________________________________.

• Fluids

  Encourage your child to drink plenty of fluids and to eat a normal diet as much as is possible.

• Other medicines

  ________________________________________________________________

  ________________________________________________________________

• Additional instructions

  _________________________________________________________________

  _________________________________________________________________

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When should my child be seen again?

Most children recover from anaphylactoid purpura completely and have no further problems. Rarely, the kidneys can be affected. It is important for your child to see a doctor for blood pressure checks and urine tests every 1 to 2 months over the next 2 years.

___ Your child needs to be rechecked and has an appointment on _____________ at _______ with _________________________.

___ Your child needs to be rechecked in ________ days. Call your child's healthcare provider to make an appointment.

When should I call my child's healthcare provider?

Call IMMEDIATELY if:

• Your child's abdominal pain is getting worse.
• Your child's starts vomiting.
• Your child starts to look puffy, especially around the face or eyes.
• Your child's urine has blood in it.
• Your child has blood in the stool.
• Your child has not urinated in over 12 hours.
• Your son's scrotum is swollen or painful.
• Your child's eyes hurt or he has trouble seeing.
• Your child has trouble balancing or walking.
• Your child acts very sick.

Call during office hours if:

• You have other questions or concerns.

Written by the Section of Pediatric Emergency Medicine, The Children's Hospital, Denver.
Published by RelayHealth.
© 2009 RelayHealth and/or its affiliates. All Rights Reserved.