Epidemiology and Clinical Characteristics of Henoch–Schönlein Purpura Associated with Streptococcal Infection in 217 Children in Hubei Province, China.

Objectives The objectives of present study were to analyze the association of the streptococcal infection with childhood Henoch–Schönlein purpura (HSP) in China. Methods: We performed a case-control study over a period of five years to evaluate the epidemiology and clinical characteristics of group A β-hemolytic streptococcal (GABHS) triggered HSP. Results: 1. The frequency of GABHS-triggered HSP was 15.1%, while that of GABHS infection developing HSP in children was 4.7%. 2.The epidemiological characteristics of HSP with streptococcal infection were similar to those of HSP alone. 3. The GABHS-triggered HSP cases had a significantly higher frequency of renal involvement than the noninfectious group. 4. IgA and IgG were significantly increased in the streptococcal infection group than in the noninfectious group, while the levels of C3 and C4 decreased significantly. Conclusions: GABHS infection is the most frequent agent in HSP children, and may aggravate the immune dysfunction and prolong the course of HSP. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]