Henoch-Schönlein purpura in infants

Seven infants were diagnosed with Henoch-Schonlein purpura (HSP). HSP is a rash that is caused by blood vessel inflammation of unknown cause. This disorder does not occur frequently among children under two years old. Among 145 children hospitalized for HSP between 1978 and 1992, seven (5%) were between five and 12 months old. All of the infants had a diffuse rash on their extremities. The rash was on the face and ears of six infants and the trunk of four infants. All the infants had fluid collection, and one was diagnosed with arthritis. None had complications affecting the kidneys. A nine-month-old girl died after developing pneumonia, possibly as a result of steroid therapy. All the other infants recovered, but several had a recurrence of HSP.