J Korean Med Sci.  2018 Jun;33(25):e174. 10.3346/jkms.2018.33.e174.

Ten-year Nationwide Population-based Survey on the Characteristics of Children with Henoch-SchÓ§nlein Purpura in Korea

Affiliations
  • 1Department of Pediatrics, Korea University College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea.
  • 2Department of Medical Statistics, The Catholic University of Korea, Seoul, Korea.
  • 3Department of Pediatrics, Seoul National University College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea.
  • 4Department of Pediatrics, Inje University College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea. chungjy@paik.ac.kr

Abstract

BACKGROUND
Henoch-SchÓ§nlein purpura (HSP) is a common vasculitis of childhood. Though HSP is usually self-limiting, severe complications can occur. The management for this condition has not been established yet. Thus, this nationwide study aimed at investigating epidemiological characteristics of children with HSP in Korea. The patterns of clinical practice with regard to the complications of the condition were also investigated.
METHODS
This is a national population-based study that used the National Health Insurance Database. Children below 18 years who were diagnosed with HSP in Korea between 2006 and 2015 were enrolled. Data, such as age, sex, yearly and monthly distribution of HSP, hospitalization, re-hospitalization, comorbidities, and interventions were obtained. The use of steroids was also analyzed.
RESULTS
A total of 56,841 children were enrolled. The annual incidence of HSP was 55.9 per 100,000 children. The peak age was 5 years. Spring was the most prevalent season. Sex (male) and young age (< 9 years) were risk factors of hospitalization. Younger children were more likely to be re-hospitalized and suspected with intussusception, arthritis, and nephritis. Only 4 children received laparotomy. In total, 57% were managed with steroids, and mean durations of medication were 4-5 days. Children who were hospitalized and those with comorbidities used steroids more frequently (P < 0.001).
CONCLUSION
The annual incidence of HSP is 55.9 per 100,000 children which is higher in Korea than that in other countries. Younger children can have a more severe clinical course. This nationwide survey provides valuable information to understand HSP in children and to inspire further research on HSP.

Keyword

Henoch-SchÓ§nlein Purpura; Epidemiology; Child; Steroids; Korea

MeSH Terms

Arthritis
Child*
Comorbidity
Epidemiology
Hospitalization
Humans
Incidence
Intussusception
Korea*
Laparotomy
National Health Programs
Nephritis
Purpura*
Risk Factors
Seasons
Steroids
Vasculitis
Steroids
Full Text Links
  • JKMS
Actions
Cited
CITED
export Copy
Close
Share
  • Twitter
  • Facebook
Similar articles
Copyright © 2024 by Korean Association of Medical Journal Editors. All rights reserved.     E-mail: koreamed@kamje.or.kr