Polyarteritis nodosa--a few unusual findings.

OBJECTIVE

To report the clinical spectrum of polyarteritis nodosa (PAN) from North India and highlight some unusual findings.

DESIGN

Retrospective study.

SETTING

Hospital based.

SUBJECTS

Eight children with PAN.

INTERVENTION

Treatment with prednisolone and cyclophosphamide.

RESULTS

One child had spontaneous remission while another started deteriorating rapidly in spite of treatment and died within 2 weeks. Six children went into remission-of these one died, two were lost to follow-up and the remaining three are on regular follow-up for periods ranging from 3-5 years.

CONCLUSIONS

Prednisolone and cyclophosphamide can significantly improve the outcome in childhood PAN.