[Schönlein-Henoch syndrome: clinical-epidemiological analysis of 98 cases].

We analyzed the clinical and epidemiological data of 98 patients (50 males and 48 females) aged between 6 months and 16 years, hospitalized for Schönlein-Henoch syndrome in the last 20 years. The incidence was higher during spring time. Throat culture was positive for streptococcus pyogenes in 16% of patients. 14 of 60 (23%) had a positive allergometric response to various tests. The extrarenal manifestations were: purpura (100%), articular (68%) or gastrointestinal (32%) involvement and orchitis (10%). Renal symptoms were observed in 23% of the patients, but a clear nephropathy was documented just in 5% of the cases, with resolution within 2 years. Our data suggest, in agreement with the letterature, that renal involvement in Schönlein-Henoch syndrome has usually a benign course.